Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 361: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in the Greater Dublin area, under the age of 16 years, not attending school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43555/06]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.

In January 2005, the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) issued guidelines to the management authorities of all primary and post primary schools on reporting student absences,suspensions and expulsions. These guidelines advise that a school must report to the NEWB where a decision has been taken to expel a student. Schools are also required to periodically report to the NEWB on student absences. There are seven possible categories of absence which are reported on.

As regards the specific data requested by the Deputy on the number of children in the Greater Dublin area, under the age of 16 years, not attending school, I have requested the NEWB to provide this information to me as a matter of urgency. I will reply directly to the Deputy when the data is to hand.