‘More legal options needed for punishing truancy’
While court appearances are a last option, the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) has begun the first steps towards prosecuting the parents of around 20 children with persistent bad attendance.
The board was set up two years ago to monitor and improve school attendance, and to ensure every child receives an adequate education. At a meeting of the NEWB and other agencies working with families yesterday, Mr Lenihan said decisions have to be made which will ensure that the family and the child will be in a better position.
