Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
1143. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department has investigated or will investigate the access to education for children residing in special emergency arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14730/24]
View answerPrincipal responsibility for supporting and promoting the development, welfare and protection of children and young people lies with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Tusla Education Support Services (TESS) works to support the ongoing education of all children in care, including those currently in special emergency arrangements. TESS supports teams across Tusla to secure school places, and ensure continued access to education for children in care.
Tusla also has a dedicated Education Welfare Officer (EWO) for Children in Care. This EWO has a specific focus on supporting young people to maintain their education, particularly where they experience difficulties accessing education due to placement moves.
Tusla have provided assurances that each child from the Community in an SEA has a care plan and placement plan. These plans are developed by Tusla social workers and include provision for educational arrangements.
I share the Deputy’s concern that vulnerable children in care should be supported to access education. Officials from my Department are actively engaging with Tusla in relation to the ongoing use of special emergency arrangements, and will continue to provide whatever support to Tusla is necessary in order to address these challenges.
