Vol. 568 No. 6
203 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position on the legislation regarding primary and post-primary education; if there is legislation in place to protect children, from a separated relationship, from being taken out of post-primary school early to facilitate access to the other parent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17078/03]
Attendance at school is governed by the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. The Act requires that certain levels of non-attendance must be notified to an educational welfare officer and confers on the principal of the child's school a discretion to do so where, in the principal's opinion, a student is not attending school regularly. There is an obligation on that officer to consult with the student, his or her parents, the principal and any other appropriate person and to make all reasonable efforts to ensure that provision is made for the continued education of the child and his or her full participation in school. Where a child is absent from his or her school for a day, or part of a day, the child's parent must notify the principal of the reasons for the absence.
