Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Senator Ryan stated that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was concerned about the recent national agreement. The society has also expressed deep concern about disadvantage in education. I ask the Leader to find out from the Minister which body is responsible for school attendance. When the House passed a Bill addressing the issue of truancy just over a year ago, Members assumed that by removing the responsibility for ensuring students attend school from the Garda, this duty would be transferred to another agency. I understand this has not happened. As a nation, we are not fulfilling our duty to ensure that the failure of children to attend school is investigated and that the necessary action is taken. Will the Leader take urgent steps to ensure this matter is addressed, which, I gather, is not the case more than a year after the relevant legislation was passed. It is in our hands to ensure action is taken.