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Bullying of Children

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 January 2013

Thursday, 17 January 2013

Questions (151)

Finian McGrath

Question:

151. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the advice he would give families whose children are being threatened and bullied in the Dardale, Dublin 17, area. [2190/13]

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Written answers

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is within the Coolock Garda Sub-district. Any complaint of alleged bullying is fully investigated by An Garda Síochána. A complaint can be made directly to any member of An Garda Síochána or at any Garda Station. Complaints of bullying can be made through parents or teachers of children or by children themselves and are dealt with in total confidence. If there are specific incidents which the Deputy is aware of they should be brought to the attention of the Garda authorities.

I am further informed that Garda personnel from the local Community Policing Unit deliver a Primary Schools Programme to all 5th classes in the Coolock Sub District. One of the topics addressed with pupils during this programme is bullying and cyber safety. The Garda website also provides advice for individuals experiencing online harassment and for the parents of children subject to cyber-bullying.

This advice complements advice available from, inter alia, the Office for Internet Safety in my Department, www.internetsafety.ie. The office coordinates the EU Safer Internet Programme in Ireland. Advice is also available from the following websites operated by the Department's partners in that Programme: PDST Technology in Education - www.webwise.ie, ISPCC - www.childline.ie and National Parents Council (Primary) www.npc.ie.

Complaints of alleged bullying are investigated by An Garda Síochána utilising all relevant legislation including in particular Section 10 of the Non-fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.

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