Vol. 487 No. 2
16 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of pupils who are currently on suspension and on expulsion from schools; if he is satisfied with the consistency of standards used for deciding on these matters at school level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3659/98]
28 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students who were expelled from second level schools during the past three years and who were not accommodated in any second level school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3598/98]
67 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students who were expelled from second level schools during the past three years and who were not accommodated in any second level school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3597/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 28 and 67 together.
The managerial authorities of each school 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. Such a code is unique to each school as it reflects a whole host of factors associated with the community which it serves. My Department has issued guidelines to assist schools in discharging their responsibilities in this area. I am satisfied that these guidelines have provided a basis for a more uniform approach to discipline issues generally by schools.
Primary and second-level schools have not to date been required to notify my Department of cases where children are suspended or otherwise excluded from schools. For that reason I am unable to provide comprehensive statistics in this area. I am unhappy with this situation and in consultation with the partners I intend to put in mechanisms to ensure the collection of such data.
