Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2017
1130. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on whether it is necessary to intervene in the continued exceptionally high level of suspensions and expulsions at a school (details supplied); the shape these interventions will take; the timeframe within which she will report regarding progress on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46771/17]
View answer1131. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the powers she has to address the exceptionally high level of suspensions and expulsions at a school (details supplied); her plans to invoke these powers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46772/17]
View answer1132. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the ongoing monitoring and supervision of school management at a school (details supplied) being undertaken by her Department with regard to the continued and ongoing exceptionally high level of suspensions and expulsions at the school; the point at which she will take action to intervene and address the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46773/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1130 to 1132, inclusive, together.
The Educational Welfare Service of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has advised my Department that there has been a downward trend year on year in the number of suspensions and expulsions in the school referred to.
Tusla EWS does not have role in the internal management of a school. Each school's Board of Management is responsible for the management of the school and the Code of Behaviour is the policy in the school that deals with suspensions and expulsions. Each school must adhere to their own Code of Behaviour in relation to suspensions and expulsions.
Where the total number of days for which the student has been suspended in the current school year reaches twenty days, the parents, or a student aged over eighteen years, may appeal the suspension under section 29 of the Education Act 1998, as amended by the Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2007.
At the time when parents are being formally notified of such a suspension, they and the student should be told about their right to appeal to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science under section 29 of the Education Act 1998, and should be given information about how to appeal.
A parent, or a student aged over eighteen years, may appeal a decision to expel to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science (Education Act 1998 section 29).
