Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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179. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the recruitment of an additional education welfare officer in County Offaly; and when he expects the vacant position to be filled. [22372/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The aims and objectives of the statutory educational welfare service are to ensure that every child either attends school regularly or otherwise receives a minimum education; to ensure and secure every child’s entitlement to education. This service is delivered by Educational Welfare Officers who work with families and children in a child-centred way to overcome barriers to their school attendance, participation and retention; and work closely with schools, educational support services and other agencies to support school attendance and resolve attendance problems for the benefit of children and families.

Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) is aware of the need for an additional EWO in Co Offaly and are proactively working to address this.  In the interim, the Senior Educational Welfare Officer is available to respond to any urgent issues.