Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 October 2023
85. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education if her Department, or any body under the aegis of her Department, has facilitated in-person or remote briefings on any issue from organisations (details supplied) from 2021 to date; if so, the topic discussed; the fees paid to the organisations for these briefings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46749/23]
View answerMy Department is fully committed to creating safe, supportive and inclusive environments in schools to support every student to achieve their full potential.
Cineáltas, the Department of Education’s Action Plan on Bullying, contains the commitment to update the anti-bullying procedures for primary and post-primary schools to take account of gender identity bullying, cyber bullying, racist bullying, sexist bullying and sexual harassment. The updated procedures will provide support and guidance for schools on preventing and addressing bullying behaviour and will provide for enhanced reporting, oversight and review mechanisms.
While not the lead funder,my Department has provided funding for the annual Stand Up Awareness Campaign since 2013. The objective of the campaign is to prevent and tackle bullying in schools, increase respect for diversity and LGBT identities and thereby reduce the potential for mental health difficulties among LGBT students.
I can confirm for the Deputy that officials from my Department met with BeLonG To during the specified period to discuss Stand- Up awareness week and anti- bullying work.
No fees were paid to BeLonG To for any of these meetings.
