Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 3

Written Answers. - School Absenteeism.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

60 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide figures of the average monthly rate per county in 1998 of non-attendance in primary schools; the steps, if any, he will take to introduce a comprehensive social attendance service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7798/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The figures requested by the Deputy are not readily available to my Department.

I am not satisfied with present arrangements in the school attendance area, including arrangements relating to the recording of pupils' non attendance.

The forthcoming Education (Welfare) Bill, which is currently undergoing detailed drafting and will be published shortly, will provide for the introduction of a comprehensive school attendance service. The legislation will also include specific measures for the early identification and support of children who have dropped out of the system or are at risk of dropping out.

Among the key objectives of the Bill is the establishment of a single national authority with responsibility for school attendance on a country-wide basis. The board will co-ordinate State services to children who have school attendance problems.

Education welfare officers employed by the board will help to co-ordinate all policies concerning both attendance and broader educational welfare issues.