asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that private schools in the Dublin city area do not issue returns of attendance to school attendance officers; and if it is his intention that they will do so in future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Attendance Returns.
46.
The legal position in this matter is set out in section 15 (1) of the School Attendance Act, 1926 and in section 4 (1) of the Statutory Order (No. 81 of 1926) made thereunder.
The enforcement of the Act rests with the enforcing authorities which in the case of the city of Dublin are the school attendance committees. Under the Act these committees are entitled to seek from the schools concerned information of the nature referred to by the Deputy.
Is the Minister aware that it was stated on the Estimate for his Department that returns were being made to the school attendance officers in those areas? I have inquired and I have been informed by those officers that for quite a number of years they have received no returns from those schools.
Mr. O'Malley
My information is in direct conflict with what the Deputy states. Actually, it is quite the contrary. The information is received regularly. However, I shall look at the matter again.
At meetings of the school attendance committee in Dublin, the officers have informed me that for quite a number of years past they have got no returns from private schools and that it is not the practice for them to get them.
Mr. O'Malley
May I say that the acting Chief Executive Officer for Dublin School Attendance Committee has informed my Department that private schools are generally most cooperative with school attendance officers?
They may be co-operative but they do not issue returns to the officers.
Mr. O'Malley
I assume the co-operation includes making returns. However, I shall look into the matter.
Fair enough.