Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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277. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she and her Department can assist a family (details supplied) in regard to an urgent matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4156/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) is under the remit of my department. TESS operates under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, a piece of legislation that emphasises the promotion of school attendance, participation and retention.

TESS has three strands namely the statutory Educational Welfare Service (EWS) and the two school support services the Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) scheme and the School Completion Programme (SCP). The three TESS strands work together collaboratively with schools, parents and guardians and other relevant services to achieve the best educational outcomes for children and young people.

Referrals to the EWS may be made throughout the school year. A referral for a child without a school place is prioritised by the service and an Educational Welfare Officer (EWO) is assigned immediately to support families who are in this situation. It will remain an open case until such time as a school place is offered and accepted.

TESS has confirmed that the child in question is an open and allocated case to the service.

An EWO is following up to support this family in securing a school place for the child in question.