Vol. 463 No. 1
91 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Education if she has satisfied herself that the current guidelines laid down by her Department in relation to bullying in schools are adequate to deal with this practice especially in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5854/96]
The guidelines on countering bullying behaviour, which were prepared by an expert group and circulated to schools in 1993 state that the creation of a positive school climate, which focuses on respect for the individual, is at the centre of a whole school response to bullying. When staff, pupils and parents are involved in the development of a school behaviour policy, they are more likely to actively support it. I am confident, therefore, that the guidelines, which were issued to primary and post-primary schools, will assist schools in identifying the incidence of bullying and in reducing the level of bullying in our schools. I expect the guidelines to be adopted by each school board of management.
It is suggested in the guidelines that schools monitor the effectiveness of school policy on this issue and their views will, of course, be taken into account in any review of the guidelines.
My Department has no prior knowledge of the case referred to by the Deputy. I am having inquiries made and I will advise her of the outcome as soon as possible.
