Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Dec 1998

Vol. 497 No. 6

Written Answers - Bullying at School.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

245 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received information regarding school bullying in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if so, if he has investigated these allegations; the directions, if any, he has given arising from them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26076/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

The board of management is the body charged with the direct governance of primary schools. In 1993 my Department issued Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour to all primary and post-primary schools. The purpose of the guidelines was to assist schools in devising school based measures to prevent and deal with instances of bullying behaviour and to increase the awareness of the problem among school management, staff, pupils and parents. A further circular in 1994 reminded school authorities of their responsibility in formulating a written code of behaviour and discipline which should include specific measures to counter bullying behaviour.

My Department investigates specific complaints which involve an alleged breach of the rules for national schools, including bullying complaints, but only after every effort has been made to resolve the matter at local level. In the case referred to by the Deputy, the complaint received by my Department alleges bullying of the complainant's daughter by another pupil. When the matter was originally brought to my Department's attention, my officials replied to the child's mother by outlining the responsibilities of the board of management of the school in relation to bullying and discipline and setting out the Department's complaints procedure.

My officials received permission from the child's mother on 12 November 1998 to pursue the matter on her behalf with the board of management of the school. My officials wrote to the board of management on the same day asking them to forward a report on the matter. When the board's report is received it will be referred immediately to my Department's inspectorate for investigation. As soon as the process is completed the child's mother will be informed of the outcome. I can assure the Deputy that every effort will be made to conclude this matter as speedily as possible.