Vol. 489 No. 1
50 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress, if any, he has made in ensuring that there is a database in his Department on children on suspension from schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7466/98]
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. Accordingly, there are no statistics available in this area. As I have already stated in the House, I am unhappy about this situation.
I intend to consult with the partners shortly concerning the mechanisms which might be required to facilitate the collection of data on this issue. Following these discussions, I expect to be in a position to make the necessary decisions within a short time.
