To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 7475/22-27, to detail (i) the impact industrial action is having on the education welfare officer service; and (ii) what action he is taking to resolve industrial action.

NIPSA members employed as Education Welfare Officers have been engaged in action short of strike measures since May 2021 and this action has escalated over time.

The Education Authority (EA) has advised that the major impact of this industrial action has been in regard to the waiting list for education welfare services, which has shown an incremental increase when combined with additional needs being observed in the period following the COVID pandemic.

Resolution of the industrial action will require approval and funding to enable the implementation of the Education Welfare Service Transformation business case, as well as implementation of the Pay & Grading review for EA support staff.