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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Dec 2000

Vol. 528 No. 2

Written Answers. - Pregnant Schoolgirls.

David Stanton

Question:

217 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the support available to support young girls who are pregnant in completing their education and to reintegrate young lone mothers back into the school system. [29818/00]

My Department does not prescribe any special rules for the treatment of pregnant girls by school authorities. However, my Department would expect that in dealing with any particular case, school management would have regard to the sensitivity of the situation and would have as its priority the well-being of the pupil concerned. My Department would hope the pregnancy would cause no more than a temporary absence from school and each pupil would be in a position to resume her education following the birth of the child.

It will be appreciated that no two sets of circumstances will be identical and, accordingly, management practice will vary from case to case. Generally, when it comes to the attention of the school that a pupil is pregnant, the school authorities check to ensure that the girl is receiving suitable medical assistance and counselling advice. Schools endeavour to be sensitive and understanding to the girl's needs while trying to ensure that her education is not neglected.

Home tuition is provided to pregnant school girls who are pupils at recognised schools. It is provided to pupils who are absent from school during the later stages of pregnancy or immediately following the birth of a baby, when attendance may be impractical.

The intention is to provide compensatory instruction during the time immediately before or after the birth of their babies when attendance at school may be impractical. It is intended that the tuition will minimise the disruption to the girls' education and so maximise their chance of continuing in school to complete the senior cycle, which is in line with Government policy to improve school retention rates; that it will enable pupils to sit the junior certificate or leaving certificate examinations at the earliest possible opportunity, and that it will be an indication to schools who are expected to support pregnant schoolgirls that my Department is willing to offer these pupils some practical support.

The arrangements made at examination time for a pregnant girl depend on her particular circumstances at the time: 1. A candidate may not wish to sit for her examinations in the main centre, in which case she may take her exams in a special room in the school. If a candidate is in hospital, arrangements can be made for her to take her exams there; 2. If a candidate feels unwell during the course of the examinations, she may be allowed leave the examination centre and be readmitted provided that she has been in the care of the principal or a representative of the school authority during her absences. In exceptional circumstances, a candidate may take the examinations at a later time than the scheduled time but on the same day.
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