asked the Minister for Education his attitude towards the question of the use of corporal punishment in schools.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Corporal Punishment in Schools.
98.
The official position in relation to corporal punishment is expressed in rule 130 of the Rules for National Schools, namely, that "Corporal punishment should be administered only in cases of serious misbehaviour and should not be administered for mere failure at lessons."
This ties in with the fact that being placed in loco parentis a teacher should be enabled to act as would a wise and prudent parent.
I appreciate that this is a highly emotive subject and that it evokes great passion for and against it but I wonder would the Minister please reconsider his whole approach to the use of corporal punishment in schools? Most reputable educationalists are now coming to accept that it has no place whatever in the relationship between children and parents or teachers and that it should be abolished?
My guide, and I think the guide of my Department, would be to substitute for the negative attitude of just abolishing something the positive attitude of the love and kindness which a normal wise and prudent parent would have for his children. The teacher is in loco parentis and the positive approach I have mentioned is subscribed to and acted upon by the vast majority of our teachers.
Could the Minister not give a more positive lead in that regard?
The Minister in replying did not answer the question. He stated what the official position was.
In my discussion with Deputy Dr. Browne I think we understood each other.
Perhaps the Minister would reconsider this matter personally and re-examine the whole position?
I am convinced that such factors as recognition by the Department in more recent times of the limitations of the ability of pupils, the fact that in the educational approach in recent years pupils are being treated as individuals, allied to more up-to-date teaching methods and the fact that psychiatric treatment is more readily available than it was, are by degrees phasing out the need for corporal punishment. I can still see however that in cases of very serious misbehaviour there can be need for a deterrent.
In the case where there is serious misbehaviour the child is more seriously disturbed and requires psychiatric care more than other children.
Is the Minister satisfied that the present system of inspection is adequate to ensure that corporal punishment is never applied for mere failure at lessons?
I have sufficient confidence in our teachers to believe that they act in a spirit of love and kindness.
Has the Minister any plans in relation to the tiny minority?
Question No. 99.
The Minister has not answered.
The Minister has answered a considerable number of supplementary questions.
I should like to give notice that I wish to raise this question on another occasion.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.