Vol. 469 No. 7
21 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Education the course of action open to parents of children who have behavioural problems from the mainstream school system; either by suspension or expulsion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18054/96]
I acknowledge that issues relating to suspension and expulsion of students with behavioural problems are complex and difficult. It is Government policy to actively encourage the retention of students in the mainstream education system by means of a broadly based and diverse range of curricular options. For the school year 1996-97 I have put in place the junior certificate elementary programme which will further contribute to this strategy.
The first course of action open to parents whose children are excluded from the mainstream school system by virtue of suspension or expulsion is one of appeal to the school authorities. My Department, through its guidelines on school discipline, lays considerable stress on the use of suspensions and expulsions only as a last resort. In cases where parents experience difficulties in having their child readmitted to the mainstream school system, my Department gives assistance in securing a suitable school placement through the involvement of its inspectorate in a consultative process with school authorities. In addition, my Department's psychological service is available to assess pupils with special needs in order that the most appropriate provision can be made.
The White Paper on Education, Charting our Education Future, proposes the establishment of education boards. These boards will be given a clear role in relation to appeals arising from decisions of schools affecting students including decisions concerning suspension and expulsion. The Government has approved of the drafting of the Education (Education Boards and Boards of Management) Bill which will give effect to these proposals. I hope to publish this Bill shortly.
A school attendance Bill which is also in preparation in my Department will address further the issue of suspensions and expulsions.
