Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 12, line 16, after "the" to insert "educational welfare".

Amendment No. 1 corresponds to an amendment that was discussed in the Dáil and, as such, I do not propose to talk at length about it.

I studied the Official Report carefully as the Bill went through all Stages in the Dáil and remain convinced of the need to include a reference to "educational welfare". Under these proposals, three source agencies will come together under the new child and family agency, namely, the Family Support Agency, the relevant components of the Health Service Executive, and the National Educational Welfare Board. I accept that the provisions encompass a broad focus, but they do not adequately cover the scope of educational welfare. An explicit reference is required. We are all aware of the link between non-attendance at school and child welfare concerns. In fact, educational welfare services are a route for identifying other underlying child protection issues. An explicit focus on the issue of educational welfare would also ensure that all the source agencies have a clear understanding of their voice and their place within the new agency.

I have brought forward this amendment in the knowledge that it was not accepted in the Dáil. I maintain, however, that educational welfare should be specifically included within the remit and functions of the new agency.