Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Jan 1996

Vol. 460 No. 4

Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Exclusion from School.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

67 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education the advice, if any, she would give to the parents of children who have been expelled or excluded from second-level schools and who have great difficulty finding alternative school places for their children. [1501/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I am aware of the problem of children who are not attending school because they have been expelled or excluded from second-level schools and whose parents have great difficulty in finding alternative school places for them. The managerial authorities of second-level schools are responsible for ensuring that a fair and efficient code of behaviour, encompassing rules, sanctions and procedures, is drawn up and applied in the school. Circumstances will vary from school to school and it is only those intimately involved with a particular school who can draw up the detail of a code of discipline appropriate for that school. Accordingly, the most effective method of countering indiscipline is for each individual school to draw up its own code of behaviour. In drawing up the code, school authorities should have regard to guidelines issued by my Department.

In 1990 and 1991, my Department issued "Guidelines Towards a Positive Policy for School Behaviour and Discipline" together with "A Suggested Code of Behaviour and Discipline" to all schools.

Within these guidelines individual boards are given the discretion to work out specific details. The guidelines lay considerable stress on the use of suspension only as a last resort and I am satisfied that schools also see it in that way.

My Department gives assistance in securing placement in individual cases. Typically this can arise where a pupil has been suspended as a result of disruptive behaviour and where alternative arrangements need to be made. In these circumstances, my Department endeavours through a process of consultation with the schools and through its inspectorate to assist in the reinstatement of the pupil in the school or alternatively, placement in another school. In more difficult situations, my Department's psychological service is available to assess pupils to determine the nature and extent of any special needs with a view to having them addressed in the most appropriate manner. Programmes such as youth encounter projects and Youthreach are designed to cater for pupils whose needs can best be dealt with outside of the mainstream school system.