Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This question is peculiar in that I submitted it to the Minister for Education and Skills and it was referred to the Minister present but were I to submit it to him in a few weeks' time, it would be transferred across to the Department of Education and Skills.

The primary concerns involved are educational and I have listened to a lot of discussion on very legitimate concerns about the application of the 20 day rule where there is illness, as raised by Deputy Funchion and others, and it is right and valid. I also have a concern at the other end of the equation. Tusla has a difficult job to do to try to keep an eye on it but there is the danger that in the midst of all this there will be children who become disengaged with education and with whom contact will be lost. I am looking for an update on this.

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