Board warns absenteeism must be tackled

The National Education Welfare Board has called upon parents and primary school teachers to tackle the issue of absenteeism in primary schools.

Evidence shows that children who develop a pattern of non-attendance in primary school are less likely to make the transition to secondary school.

Even students who miss out on as little as 11 days of school during the year have the potential to continue this behaviour throughout their education, and eventually to drop out of school entirely.

"There is a huge un-attendance issue in Ireland," said Eddie Ward, the Chairman of the Board.

"Children who develop a habit early on will find it increasingly difficult in going to school regularly as they get older," he said.