School attendance problems (SAP) in Ireland have become an increasing concern, reflecting wider social, economic and well-being challenges affecting children and families. Regular attendance is essential not only for academic progress but also for social development, emotional stability and long-term life outcomes. When students miss school frequently, due to illness, anxiety, disengagement, family circumstances or unmet needs, it can deepen educational disadvantage and make re-engagement more difficult. This paper analyses the situation in regard to SAP in Ireland, reviewing governance, legal and policy frameworks, identifying key enablers, drawing on international examples and outlining policy considerations. While Ireland has implemented measures to reduce absences, challenges persist, including incomplete and inconsistent data, limited enforcement powers for Tusla Education Support Services, and gaps in information on student needs and outcomes. To address these challenges, the paper highlights strengthening legislation, leadership, collaboration, stakeholder engagement, teacher training, whole-school approaches and attendance monitoring.
