Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Absenteeism.

Noel Ahern

Question:

140 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Science the action, if any, he has taken to see that children of long-term homeless families, many in emergency accommodation for six to nine months, are attending school in view of the fact reports indicate that many of these children are missing school for months at a time and schools seem to have no interest in taking them unless they are there for end September when teaching levels for the following year are determined. [3875/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The position regarding children of compulsory school going age is that a board of management must enrol any child who is presented to the school, providing that accommodation is available within the school. Situations should not arise whereby schools refuse admission to any children because they will not be taken account of in determining teaching levels for the following year.

However, where cases of children of homeless families not attending school are brought to the attention of my Department every assistance is given to facilitate the return of the children to school. Where necessary appropriate education programmes are delivered in special projects and in some cases individuals are provided with special tuition in order to facilitate their return to mainstream education.

The Deputy may also be aware that the Education Welfare Bill which is currently being considered in committee in this House, will provide a new framework to treat with issues of school attendance. The Bill provides for the establishment of a national educational welfare board, with a general responsibility to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a prescribed minimum education – section 9.

I recognise that particular problems arise in the case of children of homeless parents. Given that both the Department of Education of Science, and the relevant health board have a role to play here, it is necessary that an integrated approach be taken.

The Welfare Bill provides for this approach, through the establishment of liaison officers between all the relevant service providers, and specifically including the Minister for Health and Children and the health boards. The creation of this statutory network will allow for effective exchange of information between the welfare board and the health boards to identify children in the situation described by the Deputy, and to provide for their educational needs, whether through registration at an appropriate school, or through such other means as the board considers appropriate.