State ‘ignoring children at risk’

TEACHERS have accused the Government of ignoring children at risk by delaying the implementation of school attendance laws.

The Education Welfare Act became law in July but no officers have been appointed to fulfil the roles previously carried out by school attendance officers and gardaí. Under the act, schools must report suspensions longer than six days, absences of more than 20 days in a school year and expulsions to an education welfare officer.

The Irish National Teachers Organisation said schools are being left to implement changes on their own while the National Education Welfare Board tries to find the estimated 350 welfare officers needed to operate the service.