George Lawlor (Wexford, Labour)
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586. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide a list of all secondary schools in Wexford that are taking part in phase 1 and phase 2 of the attendance initiative, Anseo pilot scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49251/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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In May I announced a range of measures to tackle school absenteeism. These measures are a key part of my plan to ensure that every child can achieve their full potential, regardless of their background or their ability. Regular attendance in school is essential not just for academic achievement, but for wellbeing, social development and long-term life outcomes.

One of the initiatives announced In May is 'Anseo', a Multi-Dimensional Multi-Tiered System of Supports approach to addressing School Attendance Problems. Anseo is an evidenced-based model that enables TESS staff to support schools to analyse their data in a tiered and systematic way and which allows schools to shape their response to their schools’ absence issues. The model was piloted in four schools in the 2023/24 school year.

Sixty schools have now been selected to take part in ‘Anseo’ from the start of the current school year. The sixty schools selected include a mixture of DEIS and non DEIS primary, post-primary, urban, rural, and special schools across the country. Included in the sixty schools is one post-primary school from County Wexford - Enniscorthy Community College.

TESS staff will work with the sixty schools throughout the 2025/26 school year, promoting and supporting the implementation of the model which will enable schools to develop effective and appropriate strategies to respond to the drivers of school absenteeism.

It is expected that Anseo will be offered to additional schools in early 2026 and the details of the schools selected will be available over the coming months.