John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 191: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if education and welfare officers are fully engaged in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the person's poor attendance has been resolved; and if she will expedite a resolution to the problem. [7013/07]

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.

Since January 2004, 20,000 cases involving students with reported school attendance difficulties have been resolved by the Board. The NEWB has also written to every family with children of school going age advising them of their rights and responsibilities in relation to education and school attendance and where they can get help.

With regard to the specific data requested by the Deputy, I am informed by the Board that only one return has been received by the Board in relation to this child. This return,which was received by the Board on 8 December 2006, indicated that the child was absent for 20 days on account of illness. A report of illness is not automatically followed up by an educational welfare officer unless a specific note of concern from the Principal is associated with the return. Such a note was not associated with the return in this specific case. I am informed that the Board will instruct the EWO to visit the school seeking an update on the child's attendance since the date of the last school return.