asked the Minister for Education the progress he has made to date in his discussions with educational interests on the problem of discipline in schools.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Discipline.
11.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 11 together.
I indicated in my reply to the adjournment debate on 24 November 1977 that I intended to have discussions with the various teaching and managerial bodies on the subject of corporal punishment. I have asked these organisations to let me know what their position is on the use of corporal punishment in schools. I also sought suggestions on other sanctions that could be imposed in its place. The replies of the organisations are awaited. I have already received acknowledgments.
Would the Minister undertake to prepare for these discussions with the interests concerned a digest of the disciplinary methods employed in many other European countries where physical punishment is not used and to circulate such a digest with a view to assisting a speedy outcome to the debate?
I will not undertake to do that, but I am grateful to the Deputy for the suggestion. However, as of now I would not have time to do that because of my involvement on several other fronts. Perhaps, though, the Deputy would have his research team carry out the investigations and inform me of the position. I do not mean that in any jocose fashion.
What about the Minister's staff?
I am keeping them busy.
Would the Minister not agree that this is an obvious step for his Department to take, and could he tell the House how soon he expects further progress on this question if he has not received submissions from the interests concerned?
I have received acknowledgments from the organisations concerned but, as the Deputy knows, especially if he is conversant with trade union practice, matters like this are very slow in trade unions. In some cases the executive and even authority greater than the executive have to be consulted. For example, the matter may have to go to annual congress. Perhaps the Deputy is underestimating the extent of knowledge in the unions and in the managerial bodies regarding the practice in other countries.
Can we not ask our embassies to ascertain the situation in other countries?
May we expect a change in relation to corporal punishment in schools in the coming academic year?
I have just been asked by Deputy Horgan the progress that has been made to date in discussion with the educational interests on this problem while Deputy Browne has asked whether as a result of the discussions an undertaking has been secured for the total abolition of corporal punishment in schools. I have answered these questions, but if Deputy Collins wishes to put a further question in relation to next year's academic year, I shall be only too pleased to answer him.
I am surprised at the Minister's attitude.
What is the Government's policy regarding this issue?
My policy and that of the Government is incorporated in the statement I made during the debate on the adjournment. That statement is available to the Deputy.
I was here then. Consequently, I know there is no policy.
The Deputy is very hard on me.
Not hard enough but give me time.