Moves to simplify school rolls and registers in Ireland are just the beginning of what should be a full move to storing all pupil records online.

This is according to the Irish Primary Principals' Network (IPPN), which was speaking in response to news that the Department of Education has informed 3,300 primary schools they will not be required to fill in as much information in roll books as they have done in the past, the Irish Examiner reports.

According to a letter sent out by the Department, there will be no need to complete sections on monthly average attendances and the occupations of parents - although they will still be expected to maintain roll books, with principals still using manual formats for the official register.

Sean Cottrell, director of the IPPN, described the news as a step in the right direction, but added further changes need to be introduced at a quicker rate.

He stated: "A national database should allow a more equitable system for staffing and grants because it will give a clear profile of every school."

Written by Donal Walsh

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