Austin Currie
Question:63 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will commence the maintenance of records relating to school attendance, suspension and expulsion. [25875/98]
Vol. 497 No. 6
63 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will commence the maintenance of records relating to school attendance, suspension and expulsion. [25875/98]
89 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to ensure that children under the age of 15 expelled from school, without alternative provision being made for their education or who are the subject of roll over suspensions, will be provided with an appropriate education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25846/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 89 together.
My Department, through its guidelines on school discipline, lays considerable stress on the fact that suspensions and expulsions should only be used as a last resort.
Under the Rules for National Schools, no pupil shall be struck off the rolls for breaches of discipline without the prior consent of the patron and unless alternative arrangements are made for the enrolment of the pupil at another suitable school.
My Department provides assistance in securing placement in individual cases. Typically, this can arise where a pupil has been suspended as a result of disruptive behaviour and where alternative arrangements need to be made. In these circumstances, my Department endeavours through a process of consultation with the schools and through the inspectorate to assist in the reinstatement of the pupil in the school. If this is not possible, every effort is made to arrange an alternative placement.