Frances Fitzgerald
Question:466 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to issue guidelines to school principals who are called before the courts to give character references for persons accused of rape and sexual assault of children in view of the fact that such efforts may result in sentences being reduced following the intervention of persons who hold authoritative positions in the education system; his views on the desirability of this practice given that headmasters are introduced to the courts in their official capacity and in view of the fact that it may send the wrong message to paedophiles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18235/00]