Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2017
1127. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on suspensions as a form of student punishment, specifically on the level of suspensions at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46768/17]
View answerTusla Educational Welfare Service (EWS) has advised my Department that suspension should be a proportionate response to the behaviour that is causing concern. The decision to suspend a student should, in the view of Tusla EWS, require serious grounds such as:
- the student's behaviour has had a seriously detrimental effect on the education of other students,
- the student's continued presence in the school at this time constitutes a threat to safety,
- the student is responsible for serious damage to property.
A single incident of serious misconduct may be grounds for suspension.
Where the purpose of a proposed suspension is clearly identified, and that purpose cannot be achieved in any other way, suspension can, in the view of Tusla EWS, have value.
Suspensions can give the student time to reflect on the link between their action and its consequences and give staff time to plan ways of helping the student to change unacceptable behaviour.
School management should consider the risk of any unwanted outcomes from suspension.
