Vol. 553 No. 6
193 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which he plans to protect teachers at risk from bullying by children; when he intends to meet the INTO to discuss this urgent matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14978/02]
My Department issued a circular entitled Assaults on Teachers/School Employees to boards of management and principals of all primary schools in September, 1997. This circular was drawn up in consultation with the partners in education, and drew the attention of boards of management to a number of issues such as: the board's duty to provide a safe place of work for employees; measures to be taken to prevent or minimise the risk of assaults to teachers or other staff employed in schools; and measures to be taken in support of staff who have been assaulted or threatened with assault and in ensuring that appropriate action is taken to safeguard against a recurrence.
This circular was drawn up following consultation with the INTO, among others. There is no proposal to have a further meeting with the INTO on this matter and no request for such a meeting has been made.
