Finian McGrath
Question:276 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of pupils dropping out of the educational system at 13 and 16 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33814/04]
View answerWednesday, 15 December 2004
Questions (262)
Written answers
My Department does not compile statistical information in relation to pupils who drop out of school at specific ages, such as those referred to by the Deputy. The most recently published analysis by my Department of retention rates at second-level relating to 1994 and those being prepared in respect of 1995 and 1996 deal with those completing junior and leaving certificate.
The report relating to 1994, which was released in August 2003 indicates that: of those pupils who commenced the junior cycle programme in September 1994, approximately 3,600, 5.7%, left school before completing the junior certificate three years later; approximately 8,900 of those who sat the junior certificate did not sit the leaving certificate and; approximately 12,500, 18.2%, young people leave school annually without the leaving certificate.