Helen Keogh
Ceist:249 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Education the figures, if any, she has in relation to the level of truancy in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1466/94]
Written Answers. - School Truancy.
School attendance committees are responsible for the enforcement of the School Attendance Act in certain parts of Dublin and in Cork and Waterford. In all other areas the Garda Síochána have responsibility. Consequently figures for the levels of truancy are not available to my Department in the normal course.
A review of the operation of the School Attendance Act, including an examination of the roles and responsibilities of the various agencies involved, was carried out by officers of my Department recently. I published their report entitled School Attendance/ Truancy Report on 8 April 1994.
The report noted the inadequacies in the information available on non-attendance/truancy rates and recognised that the absence of detailed information is a serious obstacle to a balanced analysis of the issue. The report makes specific recommendations on how improved data can be made available.
The entire report will form the basis for the development of my proposals in relation to school attendance.
Copies of the report have been made widely available to interested parties. I have invited their considered views on the report's contents.
My Department is currently examining submissions received.