Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee has launched a nationwide multimedia campaign aimed at improving school attendance across Ireland, in partnership with the Tusla Education Support Service (TESS). The initiative follows the release of the 2023/2024 TESS Annual Attendance and Student Absence Reports, which reveal that over 20% of students at both primary and post-primary levels missed more than 20 days of school last year.
While the total number of days lost at primary level fell to 6.2 million—down from 8.6 million in 2021/22—post-primary absenteeism rose slightly to 6 million days, largely due to increased enrolment. Chronic absenteeism also declined, with 22.1% of primary students and 21.2% of post-primary students missing over 20 days, though figures remain above pre-pandemic levels.
The campaign, supported by television, radio, print, and digital platforms, emphasizes the importance of consistent attendance for academic success, social development, and long-term wellbeing. It encourages parents, educators, and communities to play an active role in ensuring children attend school regularly.
A key component of the initiative is the expansion of the Anseo Framework, a school-based model designed to help identify and address patterns of absenteeism. Following a successful pilot, the framework will be rolled out to 60 schools this term, with full implementation planned by 2028.
Minister McEntee reaffirmed her commitment to legislative reform and targeted support for schools and families, stating, “Every day in school is a building block for a child’s future. We must act to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
For more information, visit gov.ie/SchoolAttendance.
Helen-McEntee-Minister-for-Education-Picture-by-The-Official-CTBTO-Photostream
