Vol. 518 No. 3
306 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 594 of 21 March 2000, he will expedite the collection of data in relation to pupils who are falling out of the education system at the end of primary education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11618/00]
The development of the primary pupil database which I referred to in reply to Question No. 594 of 21 March 2000 is a very significant undertaking which will involve the collection and processing of information on 450,000 pupils in more than 3,300 primary schools. While the IT Unit of my Department intends to implement the first phase of the development plan in a pilot group of schools during the coming school year, it is envisaged that it will take at least three years to put the full database in place. It is unlikely that this timescale can be expedited as the development work that needs to take place is of a complex nature.
However, the Deputy may also be aware that the Education (Welfare) Bill currently being considered in this House will provide a new framework to address issues generally related to 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". The legislation makes specific provision to track the attendance of all children at first and second level, and particularly in the transition between first and second level. The legislation will also include specific measures for the early identification and support of children at risk of dropping out of the school system. It is my hope that this legislation will be enacted before the summer recess.
