Fears over merger of education bodies

CONCERNS have been raised by teachers and principals about the integration of a number of education agencies working with disadvantaged children into the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB).

The Department of Education insisted last night that the combined 750-plus staff of the NEWB, which has just over 100 employees, the Home School Community Liaison service, the School Completion Programme and the Visiting Teachers Service for Travellers, would be retained under the expanded welfare board.

Announcing the plans yesterday, Minister of State Sean Haughey said the aim was to build structures to facilitate closer integration of services at local, regional and national level, and to increase effectiveness.