Jack Wall
Ceist:308 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if a liaison teacher will be appointed to Scoil Mhicil Naofa, Stanhope Place, Athy, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8774/99]
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
I am aware of the concerns expressed by the school in question regarding absenteeism and of its request to my Department for inclusion in the home-school-community liaison scheme.
My immediate priority in this area is to extend the home-school-community liaison service to all first and second level schools which have been designated as disadvantaged and which currently do not have access to the liaison service. Arrangements to put this extension of service in place from September next are currently being made in my Department.
The forthcoming Education (Welfare) Bill, which is currently undergoing detailed drafting and will be published shortly, will provide for the introduction of a comprehensive school attendance service. This legislation will also include specific measures for the early identification and support of children who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out of the school system.
I can assure the Deputy that the needs of the school to which he refers will be fully considered in the event of any further expansion of the home-school-community liaison service being undertaken.