Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Absenteeism.

Austin Currie

Ceist:

256 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education and Science the reasons a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 has not attended school since December 1999; and the action he will take to ensure this is remedied immediately. [21225/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

My Department is not aware of the case referred to by the Deputy.

The National Educational Psychological Service is available to all post-primary schools recognised by my Department. NEPS can advise on the management of any difficulties which pupils might experience and which may present problems in a school setting. Where appropriate, it can also advise on any educational supports which might be required to ensure that a pupil's time in school is as productive and positive as possible.

To progress this case, my Department has issued a questionnaire to the child's parents which will help identify her educational needs and provide my Department with their written permission to contact schools and the National Educational Psychological Service on behalf of the child.