Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 27 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 6

Written Answers - School Discipline.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

67 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the powers he and his Department hold to investigate procedures in secondary schools where parents fear that allegations of assault or bullying are not being investigated in a fair, open and transparent manner. [8551/03]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

68 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if an independent investigation will be carried out into allegations of assault at Moyle Park College, Clondalkin, on 27 January 2003 by a teacher (details supplied) on a 13 year-old person, in view of the legitimate concerns by the child's parents that the proper procedures have not been carried out and that there may have been a cover-up. [8552/03]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

69 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the role his Department plays in initiating or adjudicating disciplinary procedures against a teacher who has been found to have assaulted a pupil. [8553/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 67, 68, 69 together.

School management authorities are responsible for investigating any complaints against staff, including a complaint of the type mentioned by the Deputy. A detailed procedure for the processing of complaints of this nature is currently in place in secondary schools. The procedure includes provision for investigation of complaints by independent parties. Complaints relating to action of a criminal nature, such as the alleged assault in this case, are appropriate to the Garda Síochána.

My Department has no power to conduct inquiries into allegations of this kind. However, it will make contact with school authorities to satisfy itself that a complaint has been dealt with fairly and in accordance with appropriate procedures.

The parents of the pupil in question have been in touch with my Department. They advise that they were very recently notified by the school board of management of the outcome of the investigation of their complaint. My Department has asked the school authority for a formal report in the matter.

On receipt of this report, my Department will consider whether further action is necessary.