A two-year plan to tackle absenteeism in schools has been unveiled by the State body charged with monitoring school attendance.
The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) said today it would produce a national campaign to promote the importance of attending school.
Research by the NEWB found that primary school students miss 11 days on average, and that students
in secondary schools miss an average of 15 days out of 157. In disadvantaged areas attendance rates are even lower.
Statistics released by the board found a strong link between levels of socio-economic disadvantage and the number of children who miss 20 days or more of school. More than 80,000 children missed more than 20 days of school last year.
In 2004 seven children were expelled at primary level and 68 children were expelled from post-primary schools.
In its Strategic Plan 2005 to 2007 the NEWB outlines its plan to deliver high-quality educational welfare services by providing regular data and also making use of the board's legal powers where necessary.
It also wants to improve co-operation between different State agencies and departments to tackle the social and economic contributory factors behind absenteeism.
Dr Ann Louise Gilligan, NEWB chairperson, said eliminating educational disadvantage would remain an aspiration as long as gaps remain in vital services for children.
"Children's lives are not dispensable. They only have one short chance at childhood and it is up to services like ours to help ensure that they are given the best opportunities during that time." she said.
In the NEWB's first full year of operation educational welfare officers opened over 17,000 new cases and answered over 7,000 calls on its helpline.
The NEWB is charged with implementing the Education Welfare Act 2000. This legislation requires parents to ensure their children attend school from six years of age until they reach 16 or complete three years post-primary education, which ever come first.
The NEWB employs 73 staff. It sought funding for 95 more in the last budget but was given resources for 10.
