I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 28 and 67 together.
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. Such a code is unique to each school as it reflects a whole host of factors associated with the community which it serves. My Department has issued guidelines to assist schools in discharging their responsibilities in this area. I am satisfied that these guidelines have provided a basis for a more uniform approach to discipline issues generally by schools.
Primary and second-level schools have not to date been required to notify my Department of cases where children are suspended or otherwise excluded from schools. For that reason I am unable to provide comprehensive statistics in this area. I am unhappy with this situation and in consultation with the partners I intend to put in mechanisms to ensure the collection of such data.