School Attendance
361. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures she is taking to stop parents taking their children out of school in term time due to the fact that holidays are cheaper; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the British Government has started a campaign to deal with the problem; the extent of the problem here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21642/06]
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Mr. B. Lenihan): This government is determined to do all that is possible to ensure that every child gets all the opportunities and support they need to enable them to participate fully in education. I take a very serious view of children being absent from school during term time.
The Education (Welfare) Act 2000 ensures the right of every child in the state to receive an education and places a legal responsibility on parents and guardians to ensure that their child attends school or otherwise receives an education. Parents have a critical role to play to ensure that their children is in receipt of the best possible education. The Act outlines the duties and responsibilities of parents and schools in relation to school attendance.
The National Educational Welfare Board was established under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Deputy will be glad to know that the NEWB has in fact already run an information campaign to all parents highlighting the importance of their child not missing school. In an ongoing effort the issue of school attendance is highlighted by the Board in its media briefings and publications. It has also established a Lo-call helpline to offer general advice for parents on this issue. The NEWB also produces reports on school attendance nationally.