Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his amendment and support for the development of the agency in general. He wants the term "educational welfare" to be specified, but the functions of the National Educational Welfare Board, NEWB, will be transferred to the new agency. The Deputy will accept that this is included in the legislation and that it is very clear that the board's functions will be carried out by the agency. I agree about the importance of focusing on educational welfare. Non-school attendance is very often the first indication that a child is in trouble. It will be a critical part of the agency's work to work with educational welfare officers and ensure the issues regarding school, school attendance and difficulties children are having at school are part and parcel of the agency's work.

The welfare of a child encompasses many aspects and the terms "development" and "welfare" capture the functions which are being transferred from the NEWB. To include educational welfare in the manner proposed would not replace the broad focus of the section that transfers these powers and to which I have referred. Educational welfare is also a responsibility for many others, including teachers, schools, the National Educational Psychological Service and the National Council for Special Education. Consequently, I do not want it to be seen that by accepting the amendment it would be explicitly suggested educational welfare was solely within the remit of the agency. That, obviously, is not the case.

The legislation and functions as set out in the Bill will not in any way diminish the role that was previously carried out by the NEWB under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. All of the functions of that agency will transfer to the new Child and Family Agency. Section 8(1)(b) which reads, "The functions of the Agency shall be to ... (b) support and promote the development, welfare and protection of children", encapsulates the question of educational attainment and any issue that arises in relation to it. Therefore, I will not accept the amendment.

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