Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017
369. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if every school has received training on Children First legislation and guidelines; the form of the training that has taken place; the total amount spent by his Department on the training; if the training forms part of initial teacher training for all student teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41271/16]
View answerMy Department has offered training on child protection to all schools at primary and post primary level. Training has been offered to the Designated Liaison Person and Deputy Designated Liaison Person in all schools in the form of seminars. In addition, training has also been offered to all schools in the form of facilitated whole staff school visits. As well as the support offered by my Departments' support services, schools are free to access other training in this area.
The next phase of support for schools will be made available later this year as new Children First guidance, training resources and revised Department of Education and Skills child protection procedures are finalised. Annually, the appropriate budgetary arrangements are put in place to allow schools to access support in this area.
The Teaching Council of Ireland's requirements for initial teacher education programmes set out learning outcomes for graduates of the programmes which include that the graduate will practice within the statutory framework pertaining to education, including child protection guidelines.
The budget for my Departments support services in 2016 for child protection training was in excess of €150,000 excluding personnel costs.
