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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 9 May 1991

Vol. 408 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Discipline.

Frank Crowley

Ceist:

6 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Education when, having regard to the ongoing discipline problems in schools, she proposes to issue codes of discipline to (a) primary and (b) post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

25 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Education when having regard to the ongoing discipline problems in schools, she proposes to issue codes of discipline to (a) primary and (b) post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

26.

ask the Minister for Education when, having regard to the ongoing discipline problems in schools, she proposes to issue codes of discipline to (a) primary and (b) post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

63 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education when, having regard to the ongoing discipline problems in schools, she proposes to issue codes of discipline to (a) primary and (b) post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Jim Higgins

Ceist:

67 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education when, having regard to the ongoing discipline problems in schools, she proposes to issue codes of discipline to (a) primary and (b) post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

70 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Education when, having regard to the ongoing discipline problems in schools, she proposes to issue codes of discipline to (a) primary and (b) post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

P. J. Sheehan

Ceist:

73 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Education when, having regard to the ongoing discipline problems in schools, she proposes to issue codes of discipline to (a) primary and (b) post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 25, 26, 63, 67, 70 and 73 together.

Following extensive consultations with management, unions and the Department, a code of discipline was issued in 1988. A revised code was issued in 1990 to all primary schools. It contained all the various agreements which had been reached.

Following that, there was a call from the post-primary sector for a similar code. Discussions are taking place at present with management and unions and between management, unions and Departments to see how the code of discipline implemented in primary schools can be implemented in post-primary schools. I have in my possession the various circulars which went out with the agreed code of discipline, I will not read them because they are very lengthy, but I will give them to the Deputies who asked the question and if there are any more details, I will be glad to give them.

When may schools expect the precise guidelines at post-primary level in relation to what they can and cannot do because the only code of discipline at present is that you do not hit a child? The Minister is aware that there are huge, mounting discipline problems, discipline in many cases has got so much out of hand that some classrooms are literally like jungles; it is a question of damage limitation rather then education. Children who want to learn cannot learn and in many cases teachers are confronted and insulted daily. Strict, definite, precise guidelines are needed as a matter of urgency.

I stress that the agreed code of discipline between management, parents, teachers and the Department of Education — indeed the parents had a huge input — issued to primary schools in its revised format in 1990. Of course, it will not find common agreement but it was sent out by common consent. The similar code — or whatever is arrived at — of discipline for second level schools will issue for the school term beginning in September 1991. Deputies will be aware of the recent court findings in regard to the Longford case which states the matter very explicitly.

Will the Minister agree that it might be better to devise a programme where discipline problems would be prevented from arising? In that regard, has she any plans for providing in-service courses for teachers to help them to cope with discipline problems and, more important, to help them avoid discipline problems arising?

The suggested lines of the code of discipline already sent to primary schools envisages that very point. Co-operation between all the agencies is referred to and I have reaffirmed that this week in a letter to the parents and management of the boards of primary schools. The Deputy is quite right; as in anything in life, it is better to anticipate what might happen and to have ways around it. We have already instituted in-service courses although we need more of them; I will bear that point in mind.

(Carlow-Kilkenny): Will the Minister agree that the procedure is so convoluted that, by the time the problem is dealt with, a teacher may be more dead than alive? If the system needs psychologists they should be in the school. As it is, we will force teachers to go to psychologists for advice after school. There should be a back-up system for them.

The Deputy and I have taught in the classroom although at different levels. We both know that the handling of a pupil is a personal matter and the same applies to rapport between a student and a teacher. You cannot lay down a national guideline which would be applicable to every child. You have to lay down a suggested code of discipline, and I know it requires a great effort in some schools for teachers to cope with what they are faced with daily. I have gradually discerned a greater awareness and wish among the various interests in education to come together on this knotty problem because, of course, we are all working for the good of the children.

I am calling Question No. 7.

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