Absenteeism and early school leaving have been key issues that the Partnership has been addressing since its inception. From the outset It underscored the need for specific research on absenteeism in disadvantaged areas of Clondalkin and commissioned the study entitled School Absenteeism in Clondalkin – Causes and Responses. The research and findings in this report formed the basis for the establishment of the CARA project (Clondalkin Area Response to Absenteeism) in 1999 which has worked in nine schools, six primary and three second level.