Vol. 417 No. 9
18 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to a media report (details supplied) suggesting that, in some second level schools, pupils who became pregnant are being pressured to leave the school; and if he will issue a circular to all schools on this matter to ensure that adequate provision is made for the education of such pupils.
20 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to a media report (details supplied) suggesting that, in some second level schools, pupils who become pregnant are being pressurised to leave the school; and if he will issue a circular to all schools on this matter to ensure that adequate provision is made for the education of such pupils.
51 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to a media report (details supplied) suggesting that, in some second level schools, pupils who become pregnant are being pressured to leave the school; and if he will issue a circular to all schools on this matter to ensure that adequate provision is made for the education of such pupils.
85 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to a media report (details supplied) suggesting that, in some second level schools, pupils who become pregnant are being pressured to leave the school; and if he will issue a circular to all schools on this matter to ensure that adequate provision is made for the education of such pupils.
90 Mr. D'Arcy asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to a media report (details supplied) suggesting that, in some second level schools, pupils who become pregnant are being pressured to leave the school; and if he will issue a circular to all schools on this matter to ensure that adequate provision is made for the education of such pupils.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 20, 51, 85 and 90 together.
I do not accept the suggestion in the article that such cases are treated unsympathetically.
I am satisfied that school managers and teachers, who are dedicated to the welfare of their pupils, treat these cases with the utmost sympathy and tact. Every assistance and counselling is made available by school authorities in order to help students in this difficult situation.
The Deputy should be aware that the joint managerial body for secondary schools wrote to the editor of the newspaper in question refuting the allegations made in the article.
