Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

This involves the processing of a vast amount of information. School attendance is, first and foremost, the responsibility of parents. The school also has a role to play. The educational welfare officers provide a service, particularly to schools participating in DEIS.

School attendance is a complex issue and the National Educational Welfare Board is dealing with it. In the first instance it is a matter for parents. There are schemes in place to encourage attendance, such as the schools completion programme and the home school community liaison programme. They all play a role in that regard.

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