Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 530: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools nationally which are failing to provide up to date attendance data; and the action open to the National Education Welfare Board to deal with same. [6333/09]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) as the national body with responsibility for school attendance. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. The Board's network of Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) is the key means by which the Board delivers on its statutory remit to ensure that each child attends and benefits from education. EWOs deal with approximately 10,000 cases, involving children with reported school attendance difficulties, per annum. Officers work closely with the family, the school and other support services to address the particular issues for each child. In line with Government policy the Board prioritises its resources to support the most disadvantaged areas and schools participating in DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) the Action Plan for educational inclusion. EWOs provide an intensive service in these areas. Outside of these areas, priority is given to children who are out of school or who have significant difficulties with school attendance.

The National Educational Welfare Board's Analysis of School Attendance Data in Primary and Post-Primary Schools, 2003/04 to 2005/06, shows that the response rate from schools is improving. In primary schools, the response rate rose from 81% (in 2004/05) to 95% (in 2005/06) and in post primary schools from 76% (in 2004/05) to 88% (in 2005/06). I am advised by the Board that 270 schools failed to make Annual Attendance Returns for 2005/06 and this fell to just over 170 schools for the 2006/07 returns. Data in relation to the 2007/08 school year is being finalised. The Board have informed the Department that it continues to work with schools and provides guidelines for schools in meeting their obligations in relation to reporting.

The Board developed an online reporting system www.schoolreturn.ie in consultation with schools to simplify the process of reporting of non-attendance and submitting the annual attendance report as required under the Act. The continued increase in the number of schools making returns since the establishment of the Board is very encouraging and indicates the importance placed by schools on providing data to the Board.