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Concerning data on pupil absenteeism – McEntee

Measures to improve school attendance will include data analysis and an evidence-based framework, to be rolled out in 60 schools, following a successful pilot.

Helen McEntee (Minister for Education and Youth) is to revise the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 to strengthen statutory supports for young children, including bringing primary school children under six under its scope.

She said that tackling school absences is a key part of ensuring that every child can achieve their full potential.

Regular attendance in school is essential not just for academic achievement, but for wellbeing, social development and long-term life outcomes,” she stated, pointing to a decline in regular attendance.

She added that there has been a rise in the number of children and young people missing a “very concerning” number of school days.

Alarming rise

“In the 2022/2023 school year, over 110,000 primary and 65,000 post-primary students missed 20 or more days of school. This is hugely alarming and warrants action. This is why I am today announcing a comprehensive suite of measures to improve school attendance,” she said.

A national multimedia campaign, starting in September 2025, will promote the importance of regular school attendance.

The Educational Welfare Service will be enhanced, including expansion of educational welfare officer (EWO) capacity.

A national attendance conference in early 2026 will share best practices and promote whole-system engagement.

A scoping project to deliver real-time attendance data for better decision-making and intervention will also begin.