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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Placement.

Pat Carey

Question:

276 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements, if any, which exist within his Department in relation to placement of students who are excluded from school prior to reaching the official school leaving age; his views on whether the current arrangements are adequate and satisfactory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15598/97]

: The selection and enrolment of pupils in primary and second level schools is, in the first instance, the responsibility of individual school managerial authorities. The managerial authorities are also responsible for devising and applying a code of discipline in their schools. My Department has issued guidelines to schools to assist them in discharging their roles in this area. These guidelines stress both the need for proportionality of response to incidents of misbehaviour and the use of expulsion only as a last resort.

It is open to parents who experience school placement difficulties to seek assistance from my Department in securing an alternative school placement through the involvement of the inspectorate in a consultative process with school authorities. My Department's psychological service is available to assess pupils with special needs in order that the most appropriate provision can be made.

Proposals in the areas of pupil exclusions and school attendance will be addressed further in the context of forthcoming legislation.

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