(Dublin North-West) asked the Minister for Education the incidence of school absenteeism from national schools in the Ballymun satellite town area, Dublin compared with the national average figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The incidence of absenteeism in the national schools in the Ballymun area in the year ended 30 June 1981, is calculated at 11.6 per cent as compared with the national average figure of 9 per cent approximately.

The whole position of school attendance enforcement is being examined in the light of the recommendations of the task force on child care.

50.

(Dublin North-West) asked the Minister for Education the number of school days lost in the four schools in the Ballymun area, Dublin because of the breakdown in the central heating system there; the names of the schools; and the number of days lost in each of the last five years.

There are ten national schools and three comprehensive schools in the Ballymun area.

Detailed information as requested by the Deputy is given in the case of the national schools in the form of a tabular statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, will be circulated with the Official Report. There were no days lost because of a breakdown in the heating system in the case of the comprehensive schools in the period in question.

There is one all Irish national school and nine other national schools in the Ballymun area. These latter nine schools are located on four different sites.

The total number of school days lost in each of the five years in all the schools is as follows: 1976, 10 days; 1977, 12 days; 1978, 24 days; 1979, 11 days; 1980, 10 days; 1981, 22 days. Total, 89 days.

The heating system in the Holy Spirit Boys and Girls schools in Sillogue Road has been converted from convector heaters to radiators at an estimated cost of £35,000. No complaints or requests for works of repair or improvement to the heating systems in any of the other schools have been received in the Department.

The all-Irish School (Scoil an tSeachtar Laoch) is housed in temporary accommodation in Glasnevin while building work is in progress on the permanent school building.

National Schools in Ballymun area closed due to break-down in central heating system.

Sillogue Road Schools, Ballymun

Holy Spirit Boys National School (Roll No. 19208)

Holy Spirit Girls National School (Roll No. 19209)

Shangan Road, Ballymun

Virgin Mary Boys National School Roll No. 19302

Virgin Mary Girls National School Roll No. 19303

Balcurris, Ballymun

St. Joseph's Senior (Roll No. 19583) Opened on 1.7.1977

St. Joseph's Junior (Roll No. 19431)

Our Lady of Victories — Ballymun Road Schools

Infants (19242)

Boys (18910)

Girls (18911)

Scoil an tSeachtar Laoch (All Irish School)

Ballymun (Roll No. 19430)