Vol. 497 No. 2
400 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself with the content of teacher training courses with respect to the suitability, fitness or otherwise of potential teachers in relation to allegations of sexual abuse by members of the teaching profession in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24685/98]
I am satisfied that the authorities in the colleges of education are fully aware of the importance of preparing student teachers to cope with allegations of sexual or other forms of child abuse by members of the teaching profession or by other members of the public. This topic is dealt with in particular in the social, personal and health education areas of the undergraduate programme. On taking up duty in schools, the newly qualified teachers have the support of the school policy on dealing with allegations of sexual and other forms of abuse and of the procedures that are in place in all schools for dealing with these matters.
