Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Attendance Service Staffing.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

215 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to a serious shortage of staff in the school attendance service of Dublin Corporation with the result that many school attendance problems are being addressed at a very slow pace; the manner in which her Department communicates with local authorities including Dublin Corporation in school attendance issues; the extent to which her Department funds the service; and the steps she proposes to take to ensure that the school attendance service in Dublin city is as speedy and efficient as it needs to be.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Under section 11 (1) of the School Attendance Act, 1926 the appointment and remuneration of school attendance officers is a matter for the school attendance committees subject to the approval of the County Borough or Urban District. I must sanction the appointments but my Department does not provide funds for the service.

Official communication between the Department and local authorities including Dublin Corporation in the normal course is by letter.

The Green Paper proposes a review of the working of the School Attendance Act including an examination of the roles and responsibilities of the various agencies involved. This review is now under way and consultation will take place with all the interested parties including the school attendance committees.