Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 540: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will respond to a letter received from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31069/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The 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.

In respect of the matters raised I wish to advise that two letters were received in my Department dated 7th and 9th of November concerning educational provision for a named individual.

My officials have investigated the matters concerned. As part of this investigation some issues were referred to the National Educational Welfare Board for their attention. My officials have since received a full report from the Board the contents of which have been communicated to your correspondent by letter dated 23rd November.