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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Apr 1998

Vol. 490 No. 2

Written Answers - School Absenteeism.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

311 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is a significant problem with absenteeism in Dublin second level schools on Fridays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10061/98]

Second level schools are not required to notify my Department when pupils absent themselves from school and for that reason I do not have statistics available to me on the numbers of children in Dublin absenting themselves from second level schools on Fridays. However, it is my intention to establish a mechanism for the purpose of quantifying the number of pupils who fall outside the education system.

At present, statutory responsibility for school attendance in the Dublin region resides with the local authorities under the School Attendance Act, 1926. This Act makes school attendance compulsory for children up to the age of 15 years. The complex issues involved in school absenteeism are currently being considered as part of the preparation of legislation in this area. I intend to be in a position to introduce this legislation before the end of the year.

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