asked the Minister for Education if he will issue instructions that punishment other than physical be imposed on schoolgoing wrongdoers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Punishment.
29.
Mr. R. Burke
No.
I should like to ask the Minister if he is aware that excessive physical punishment of children can encourage mitching and absenteeism from schools?
Mr. R. Burke
I am not aware that excessive physical punishment is causing mitching. I have seen allegations to that effect in the newspapers.
Would the Minister take steps to have a special inquiry made into this matter to ascertain if the physical punishment is desirable in schools?
Mr. R. Burke
These are matters generally for the managers of the schools involved. Those who have specific complaints to make should make them to the managers of the schools.
If they make these complaints to the managers, will this information become available to the Minister and the Government?
Mr. R. Burke
If specific complaints are made in regard to this matter, they are usually investigated by an inspector of the Department.
Surely the Minister is not correct in saying that it is a matter for the managers. His Department have issued guidelines in booklet form and can the Minister say if they are being enforced?
The Deputy is making a statement rather than asking a question.
The Minister is evading the issue.