Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 July 2014
105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which efforts continue to be made to combat school bullying; if such instances are automatically reported to his Department on an ongoing basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30020/14]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that I published new anti-bullying procedures for all primary and post primary schools at the beginning of the 2013/14 school year.
The purpose of these procedures is to give direction and guidance to school authorities and school personnel in preventing and tackling school-based bullying behaviour amongst its pupils. The procedures include specific requirements in relation to the use of prevention and education strategies and the consistent investigation, follow up and recording of bullying behaviour amongst pupils. There is a requirement in the procedures for the School Principal to report regularly to the Board of Management on the overall number of bullying cases and provide confirmation that they are being dealt with in accordance with the anti-bullying procedures.
The Board is also required, under the procedures, to undertake an annual review of the school's anti-bullying policy and its implementation by the school. Written confirmation that the review has been completed must be available and published on the school website.
There is no requirement for reporting centrally to the Department. My Department's approach in the procedures is that the Inspectorate will now, as part of its inspection of schools, be specifically examining schools compliance with the new anti-bullying procedures including the actions taken to create a positive school culture and to prevent and tackle bullying.
