Vol. 445 No. 6
496 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced in placing children who are below the age of 15 who have been expelled from school and who are seeking alternative places; if she will ensure that schools accept their responsibilities in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [613/94]
I have been made aware of some cases such as the Deputy refers to, and I have arranged for my Department to assist in their resolution. My Department has issued guidelines to both primary and post primary schools encouraging a positive policy on behaviour and discipline within schools. These guidelines request each school authority to draw up a code of behaviour for its school.
The position in the case of primary schools is that no pupil shall be struck off the rolls for breaches of discipline without the prior consent of the patron, and only where alternative arrangements are made for the enrolment of the pupil at another suitable school. I regard this provision as a very effective safeguard.
While there is no similar requirement in the case of post primary schools the guidelines emphasise that expulsion should be resorted to only in the most extreme cases of indiscipline, only after every effort at rehabilitation has failed and where all other possible sanctions have been exhausted.
Parents who feel aggrieved with a decision of school management to expel a pupil may bring the matter to the attention of my Department. My Department can arrange for appropriate investigation.
