A meeting of the City School Attendance Committee was held today, chaired by the Mayor. Other members present included Messrs. John Guinane, S.W. EJ Long, and Martin Leahy, along with Mr A. Killeen, Assistant Town Clerk. Inspectors Mr Fitzgerald and Mr O’Halloran submitted their reports.

In Mr Fitzgerald’s district, the opening days of the current month saw 1,045 pupils on the roll at St. John’s Convent School, with an average daily attendance of 930. At St. Mary’s Boys’ and Girls’ Schools, there were 721 pupils on the roll, with an average attendance of 636.

In Mr O’Halloran’s district, St. Michael’s Parish, there were 543 pupils on the roll at Leamy’s School, with an average daily attendance of 441. At the Christian Brothers’ Schools on Sexton Street, there were 797 pupils on the roll, with an average daily attendance of 421. St. Vincent de Paul’s School on Henry Street had a roll of 480, with an average daily attendance of 530.

During the meeting, Mr Long expressed concern that the inspectors seemed to have done nothing more than visit the schools, which was not in line with the committee’s expectations. Mr Guinane agreed, stating that detailed reports were required on each case, including information on absentees, their whereabouts, and the date of the visit. He criticized the reports submitted thus far, stating they were of no use.

Mr O’Halloran stated that he had investigated 87 cases of children absent from school. In 34 instances, reasonable excuses for non-attendance were given, while in the remaining 10 cases, he issued warnings to the parents. Mr Guinane expressed disappointment, emphasizing that specific reports were requested for each case.

The Mayor clarified that the committee expected the inspectors to present their reports to determine the appropriate course of action for the absentees, including potential prosecutions. The committee required more definitive work from the inspectors.

The meeting was adjourned to allow the inspectors to provide detailed reports, as previously ordered.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 13 September 1904