The Icelandic Ministry of Education and Children has not systematically gathered information from municipalities regarding the number of children who have not attended school in the past five years, despite the country's mandatory schooling laws. This lack of comprehensive data raises concerns about understanding the full scope of school attendance issues within Iceland. Currently, the ministry does not have a central database that tracks school attendance, hampering its ability to formulate effective education policies and ensure that all children receive the education they are entitled to.

In response to parliamentary inquiries from Nanna Margrétar Gunnlaugsdóttir, a member of the Midflokkurinn party, Education Minister Ingunn Sæland acknowledged the gaps in data collection. The ministry is planning to implement a centralized student database that aims to provide a complete overview of student attendance and related issues. This initiative is viewed as crucial for improving educational quality, prioritizing government resources, and enhancing the effectiveness of educational services throughout Iceland.

The implications of this situation are significant, as the lack of data could hinder the government’s ability to address educational inequities and respond proactively to the needs of children who are not in school. As discussions in the Althingi (Iceland's parliament) continue, the urgent need for accurate data on school attendance becomes increasingly apparent, and actions must be taken to ensure that every child has access to education as mandated by law.