Skip to main content
Normal View

Bullying in Schools

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 September 2012

Tuesday, 25 September 2012

Questions (157)

Seán Kyne

Question:

157. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration will be given to the offer from the anti bullying campaign to provide training in combatting and preventing bullying to teachers and school staff free of charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40627/12]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy may be aware that an Anti-Bullying Forum was held on Thursday 17th May bringing together a range of experts, support groups and representatives of the schools sector including parents and students.

I was very pleased to open this important Forum and to provide an opportunity to explore with all the relevant stakeholders how best to tackle bullying in schools and to consider what changes or updating of existing practices and procedures are required to achieve this having regard to what is feasible to implement in the current financial climate.

The range of speakers on the day of the Forum included contributions from my Department, Professor Mona O'Moore of the Anti-Bullying Centre, Trinity College, a representative from the Anti-Bullying Campaign and contributors from the school sector from the various perspectives of school principal, parent and pupil. The Forum also gave other stakeholders an opportunity to give their views.

The proceedings of the Forum were broadcast live over the internet and recordings of the day's events can be now viewed by accessing the Anti-Bullying Forum webpage of my Department's website www.education.ie. The presentations of the various speakers can also be viewed and downloaded from this page.

As a follow on to holding the Forum itself, I invited the stakeholders and any other interested parties, including those unable to attend the event on the day, to submit their views on this important topic to my Department by 29th June 2012. I understand that the Anti-Bullying Campaign has made a submission as have many other interested parties.

The Deputy will also be aware that I recently established a working group to address the issue of tackling bullying in schools. During the course of its work, the working group will be considering the outcomes from the Forum together with the submissions from stakeholders and other interested parties. This includes the submission received from the organisation referred to by the Deputy.

It is intended that the working group will draw upon the expertise of a range of organisations and individuals during the course of its work. I understand that Mr. Sean Fallon of the Anti-Bullying Campaign has already been invited to meet with and make a presentation to the working group.

Top
Share