Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 388: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her plans, in accordance with the Education Welfare Act, 2000, to ensure that a child (details supplied) attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22456/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The National Educational Welfare Board is developing a nationwide service on a continuing basis that is accessible to schools, parents/guardians and others concerned with the welfare of young people. For this purpose, Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) have been deployed throughout the country to provide a welfare-focused service to support regular school attendance and discharge the Board's functions locally.

The Board operates through 5 regional teams, with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. A service is provided from 26 locations nationwide. Staff are deployed in areas of greatest disadvantage and in areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme. In addition, the Board follows up on urgent cases nationally where children are not currently receiving an education. Educational Welfare Officers play a pivotal role in implementing the service provided by the NEWB through monitoring school attendance and working to improve it. The EWOs also help parents that are experiencing a difficulty with getting a school place for their child.

In relation to the Deputy's specific question, I am informed that the National Educational Welfare Board are working in close liaison with the Health Service Executive to ensure that the child will attend a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education as soon as possible.