Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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131. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his responsibilities with regard to the mandatory school age. [42823/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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In accordance with the Education Welfare Act, 2000 the compulsory school starting age in a National School is 6 years of age and the Rules for National Schools provide that a child must be at least 4 years of age before he/she may be enrolled in a National School. 

Under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 parents are responsible for making sure their child receives an education. The Act also states that every child between the ages of 6 and 16 must attend school or otherwise receive an education.

The Educational Welfare Services of the Child and Family Agency operate under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000. The legislation emphasises the promotion of school attendance, participation and retention. The statutory and school support services of the Child and Family Agency's Educational Welfare Services work together collaboratively and cohesively with schools and other relevant services to secure better educational outcomes for children and young people.

Schools are obliged by law under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 to submit reports on school attendance to the Educational Welfare Services of the Child and Family Agency.