Vol. 445 No. 8
126 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education her policy and guidelines to school authorities to address behaviour, discipline and other related matters; if she will undertake a major review and assessment of present policy and guidelines; and if she has received submissions on the matter. [1178/94]
In 1990 and 1991 my Department issued Guidelines Towards a Positive Policy for School Behaviour and Discipline together with A Suggested Code of Behaviour and Discipline to all schools. School authorities were reminded in the guidelines that the managerial authorities of each school are responsible for ensuring that a fair and efficient code of behaviour, encompassing rules, sanctions and procedures, is drawn up and applied in the school.
Circumstances will vary from school to school and it is only those intimately involved with a particular school who can draw up a code of discipline appropriate for that school. In drawing up the code, school authorities should have regard to the guidelines issued by my Department.
In October 1993, following consideration of submissions received from school managerial authorities, teacher unions, the National Parents' Council and other interested parties, my Department issued Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour in Primary and Post-Primary Schools.
I am confident that guidelines issued by my Department are of very real benefit and assistance to all concerned in the development of a school behaviour policy. It is recommended in my Department's guidelines that school authorities monitor the effectiveness of school behaviour policies. I have been closely monitoring the number and type of bullying behaviour cases reported to my Department and I will review the situation later in this school year.
