asked the Minister for Education the number of complaints regarding corporal punishment in national schools received in his Department in each of the past five years, the counties from which the complaints in each year to which the following response in accordance with the Department's circular of October 1969 was made: (a) a written explanation was sought and received from the teacher concerned, (b) the observations of the school manager were sought and received, (c) the parent or parents were interviewed by the school inspector, (d) a formal inquiry was held by a senior inspector of the Department, (e) action was taken against a teacher involved by way of (i) serious warning, (ii) reduction of salary, or (iii) withdrawal of recognition as a teacher, and (f) no action was taken.
Written Answers. - School Corporal Punishment.
179.
The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in the form requested.
I am having the information collated and I will communicate with the Deputy in regard to the matter as soon as possible.