Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
628. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if she has issued guidance in relation to awards or benefits to students for full attendance in view of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42900/21]
View answerUnder the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the Board of Management is responsible for the governance of a school. The Board has overall responsibility for school policies including responsibility for encouraging regular school attendance. My Department has provided guidance to schools in relation to the recording and reporting of COVID-19 related absences.
The Education Welfare Services of the Child and Family Agency (TUSLA) promotes school attendance and provides education welfare services to support and monitor children’s attendance, participation and retention in education.
The Education Welfare Service (EWS) published “Developing the Statement of Strategy for School Attendance: Guidelines for schools” which is aimed at promoting and supporting school attendance and includes provision for rewarding students with good school attendance records. This publication is available at https://www.tusla.ie/uploads/content/FINAL_SAS_strategy_eng_2jun.pdf.
