To ask the Minister of Education what steps he is taking to (i) increase the number of Education Welfare Officers; (ii) reduce the backlog of children waiting to be allocated one; and (iii) equate the pay of Education Welfare Officers with social workers.

My officials are working with the Education Authority on a Business Case to resolve the on-going industrial action within the Education Welfare Service which is having a negative impact on waiting lists. The Business Case will need to be agreed by the Department of Finance and funding will be required to resolve the pay and grading issues.

Following a Transformation programme conducted in 2021/22, it was agreed that the Education Welfare Service would take a proactive approach to the management of pupil attendance and all the associated issues. Once implemented, a transformed Education Welfare Service will provide a timelier, consistent, and more effective approach which will support schools and pupils in meeting their specific needs.