Michael D'Arcy
Question:82 Mr. D'Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has implemented the grievance procedures in sections 28 and 29 of the Education Act, 1998. [7260/00]
Written Answers. - Education Act.
The Education Act, 1998 allows for different parts of the Act to be commenced at different times. Any sections not commenced by 23 December next will automatically come into effect on that date. My Department's priority is to facilitate a planned and structured implementation of all the provisions of the Act. Two commencement orders have been made to date covering 51 of the Act's 59 sections.
Section 28 of the Act was commenced on 23 December last and work is currently under way in my Department on drawing up the grievance and other procedures referred to. At primary level, consultations have been initiated with the education partners and it is expected that existing procedures will be updated before the commencement of the next school year. A similar consultation process will also be necessary in relation to second-level and this will commence shortly.
Section 29 allows for certain decisions made by a school to be appealed to the Secretary General of my Department. Planning work has commenced in relation to the structures and procedures necessary to implement this section. The necessary commencement order will then be made.