Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2023
317. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education when a whole-school evaluation was last carried out in a Gaelscoil (details supplied); and if she will provide a copy of all relevant documentation, including copies of notes, letters and emails made and-or sent by the inspectorate and the school in relation to that inspection. [26272/23]
View answerA whole-school evaluation was conducted in September 2009 in Gaelscoil de hÍde, Cnoc na Crúibe, Roscommon, Roll No: 20126K. Further formal inspection of the school took place in November 2020 during which a whole-school Initial Child Protection and Safeguarding Inspection (CPSI) was carried out. In May 2021, the Inspectorate carried out a whole-school Final Child Protection and Safeguarding Inspection (CPSI) in the school. The published reports arising from these evaluations may be accessed through the ‘find-a-school’ search tool on the website of the Department of Education or on the Gov.ie website at the address: www.gov.ie/en/school-reports/. The inspection reports associated with this school are located by inserting the school roll number in the search tool.
In relation to the request for additional documentation associated with these inspections, the Department of Education, as a public body, is bound by Data Protection and FOI Legislation governing access to records. Therefore, in order for the school or requestor to seek access to additional records held by the Inspectorate, a FOI request should be submitted to the Department of Education. The operational procedures to be followed in making a request are as follows: the school, or other requestor, should make the request in writing to the Freedom of Information Unit, Department of Education, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 RC96 or by e-mail to: foi@education.gov.ie. The standard application form for FOI requests is available on the www.gov.ie website under the heading Organisation Information - Freedom of Information (FOI) www.gov.ie/pdf/27478/?page=1. This will guide the school or requestor in submitting a request. The request should include the following:
• a statement that the request is being made under the FOI Act
• as much information as possible about the specific records being sought in order to facilitate the search. Where possible, please try to indicate the time period / dates for which access to access records is sought.
• for personal requests, some form of identification (copy of passport, driving licence, birth certificate, etc.) or letter of consent if solicitors are acting on your behalf
• please include a day time telephone number, if possible, so that the requestor may be contacted quickly if it is necessary to clarify details of your request.
Should the school, or any requestor, require assistance, staff in the FOI Unit of the Department of Education will be pleased to assist.
