Vol. 565 No. 4
97 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if an investigation has been carried out into bullying at a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; if he has satisfied himself that the investigation in this case was carried out as speedily as possible; the criteria fol lowed for an investigation of such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11195/03]
My Department investigates specific complaints which involve an alleged breach of the rules for national schools after every effort has been made to resolve it at local level.
My Department received two separate complaints relating to the school regarding alleged bullying. When these allegations were originally brought to my Department's attention my officials corresponded with both sets of parents and the board of management. They set out the board's responsibilities and outlined my Department's complaints procedure. My officials subsequently received permission from the parents in both cases to pursue the matter on their behalf with the school's board of management.
Following receipt of this permission in respect of the initial complaint the local inspector was requested to interview the various parties involved, including the parents. A report and recommendation on this case, which took account of its complex nature, was submitted to officials in my Department. They have communicated the outcome of this process to the family concerned and to the board of management.
An investigation into the other complaint is currently under way and will be concluded following consideration of the inspector's report. The family concerned and the board of management will be informed of the outcome at that stage. Every effort is being made to conclude this matter as speedily as possible.
