Liz McManus
Question:211 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education the rate of absenteeism from primary and second level schools during the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Absenteeism from Schools.
I would refer the Deputy to replies to Questions Nos. 17 and 53 of 19 April and Question No. 148 of 26 April last.
In those replies I mentioned the "School Attendance-Truancy report" which was published on 8 April 1994. Copies of the report have been made available to the Oireachtas Library.
The report shows an average pupil absence level from national schools of approximately 7 per cent in the school year 1992-93. There is 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.