Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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231. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the details regarding resources for educational welfare officers allocated to County Wicklow; if all posts are currently filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62891/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Educational Welfare Service operates under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, a piece of legislation that emphasises the promotion of school attendance, participation and retention. Educational Welfare Services (EWS) deal with children and families who have difficulties in relation to school attendance, participation, retention. This is a statutory service and its primary role is to ensure that every child either attends school regularly or otherwise receives a certain minimum education; to ensure and secure every child’s entitlement to education. Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) 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) currently have four Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) allocated to cover the schools in County Wicklow. Two of the EWO posts are currently vacant. One of the vacant posts is due to be filled on 9th January, 2023. Recruitment for the second vacant post is ongoing.

TESS management team, who support School Completion Programme, Home School Community Liaison Service and the Educational Welfare Service at local level, will continue to meet with school principals in Co Wicklow to ensure that all available TESS resources are maximised and children are prioritised for service intervention.