My Department's procedure for investigating complaints is as follows: first, the complainant is advised that the complaint should be made to the school's board of management in the first instance. Second, if the permission of the complainant is received a copy of the signed complaint is sent to the school's board of management and the board is asked to (a) send to the Department a copy of the teacher's written statement in full as supplied to the board of management, (b) give the views of the board of management on the teacher's statement, and (c) give the views of the board of management on the complaint in general. The board are reminded that it is responsible for the direct government of the school and are asked what action, if any, they have taken or propose to take in the matter. They are also asked to send to the Department copies of any letters they may have which are relevant to the complaints. Third, the board's reply is considered in the Department and, where appropriate, an investigation is carried out by the Department's inspector. Fourth, all details of the case are then examined and a decision is made as to what further action is required. Fifth, when the investigation is completed the board of management and the teacher are informed of what action, if any, is being taken. The complainant(s) are informed that the investigation has been completed.
There is a number of factors which determine the length of time it takes to deal with a complaint, and it would not be possible to define a normal time lag. Investigation of the case referred to by the Deputy has been completed and the appropriate parties have been notified.
