Vol. 441 No. 8
148 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education the average pupil absence level from school; if there are any regional variations in the level; the steps, if any, she is taking to counter the one in ten absence each day as reported from departmental research; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question Nos. 17 and 53 of Tuesday last, 19 April in which I mentioned the "School Attendance-Truancy Report", which was published on 8 April 1994. As I stated on that occasion, I have ensured that copies of the report were provided to the Library, and I will gladly make further copies available to the Members of the House.
This report shows an average pupil-absence level from national schools of approximately 7 per cent in the school-year 1992-93. The data available shows little or no variation of a regional nature. There are no comparable school attendance data for post-primary schools.
I am making copies of the report widely available, and I will be happy to receive the considered views of all interested groups. I have already taken a number of initiatives to target areas of disadvantage, where the rate of absenteeism is highest. I have recognised the value of the homeschool-community liaison scheme in enhancing the educational participation of young people, and I have in the current school year placed the scheme on a formal footing.
There is also an important role in this area for a school psychological service, and I recently announced the appointment of an additional ten psychologists as part of a phased implementation of a national psychological service for primary schools.
