asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that in some prosecutions under the School Attendance Act the case has been dismissed by the District Justice where the child concerned was over thirteen years of age and if he will take steps, if necessary by introducing amending legislation, to provide that school attendance up to fourteen years of age is ensured in all cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Attendance.
61.
The legal position in this matter is already quite clearly set out in section 2, 3 and 4 of the School Attendance Act, 1926. In section 4 the excuses which may be accepted as reasonable for the non-attendance at school of a child under fourteen years of age are listed.
The enforcement of the Act rests with the enforcing authority and the court of jurisdiction.