Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 October 2021
68. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the interim arrangements that can be put in place for a student (details supplied) to receive an education in person for a student ); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48546/21]
View answerYou will be aware that a student cannot be expelled from a school before the passing of 20 school days following the receipt of a notification under Section 24 of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000. The Educational Welfare Service have confirmed that they received the notification of intention to expel, in respect of this student, on 24th September 2021. This student is currently on suspension.
In the interim and in accordance with section 24 (3) of the Education Welfare Act (2000) the Educational Welfare Officer (EWO) shall convene a meeting which may be attended by all parties necessary, to make reasonable efforts to ensure that provision is made for the continued education of a student, for whom the school has notified the Education Welfare Service of their intention to expel.
I understand that this section 24 meeting is currently being arranged by the EWO, and the student’s parent has been advised of this.
In addition the EWO is available to support the parent should the expulsion of this student be confirmed by the school and the parent wish to appeal the decision under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998. Any appeal taken under this section against a board of management’s decision to permanently expel a student must be made to my Department within 42 days of the expulsion confirmation decision.
