Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Placement.

Seán Haughey

Question:

204 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department can assist the parents of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 who has not attended her school for some weeks; if an alternative school can be found in the locality in view of the fact that she is reported to have been assaulted and abused by other pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10670/02].

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

My Department was not aware of the case referred to by the Deputy. Individual school management authorities are responsible for implementing effective policies to counter bullying in schools. In 1993 my Department issued Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour to all primary and post-primary schools. Their purpose was to assist schools in devising school based measures to prevent and deal with instances of bullying behaviour and to increase awareness of the problem among school management authorities, 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.

The report on discipline, commissioned by my Department, and completed by Dr. Maeve Martin, deals comprehensively with the issue of discipline in schools, and sets out models of best practice in this area. A copy of the report has been made available to all schools.

Furthermore, where staff within my Department receive telephone calls regarding instances of bullying, advice and assistance are offered by staff to the callers. My Department will examine specific complaints regarding alleged instances of bullying behaviour, but only after every effort has been made at school level to resolve the matter. The National Educational Psychological Service is also available as a support service to schools in relation to individual students who encounter difficulties. To progress this case further, I have asked my officials to contact the parents of the child referred to by the Deputy.