Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context

274. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of deaf children and deaf parents currently known to Tusla; the measures in place to ensure they receive accessible, culturally informed support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62485/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) is under the remit of my Department

My Department has been informed by Tusla that it does not compile statistics on the number of deaf children and deaf parents it engages with each year.

TESS receives referrals from recognised schools. The local Educational Welfare Officer (EWO) works alongside school personnel, children and young people and their families to address issues which may be impacting on the child or young person’s school attendance.

TESS also supports deaf children and young people and their families who are experience school attendance problems. In instances where children and/or parents are deaf, EWOs can request the support of a sign language interpreter if required. Parents who are deaf are regularly supported by deaf advocacy organisations during meetings with TESS staff.

The recent joint Department / TESS national multimedia school attendance online advertising campaign included ISL interpretation.