Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 February 2013
186. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the alleged bullying of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8020/13]
View answerI am fully aware of the seriousness of the issue of bullying and it was for that reason that an Anti-Bullying Forum was held in May last year. The Deputy will be aware that I established a working group to address the issue of tackling bullying in schools, including cyber-bullying. The Group produced an Action Plan recommending further measures that can be taken to effectively tackle bullying, including cyber bullying, in schools. I broadly accept the proposed actions in the Action Plan which was published in January. I have asked officials in my Department to commence work on implementing the Action Plan in consultation with teachers, parents and management bodies at first and second-level schools.
My Department's role is to clarify for parents and students how their grievances and complaints against schools can be progressed. Guidance to parents on progressing a concern in relation their child's school is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie. I understand my officials have clarified for the parent of the pupil in question how his complaint should be addressed.
