Dick Spring
Ceist:45 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Education and Science the sanctions, if any, that are available to first level and second level schools to impose discipline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3591/98]
Written Answers. - School Discipline.
The managerial authorities of each school are responsible for ensuring that a fair and efficient code of behaviour, encompassing rules, a graded system of 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 behaviour appropriate to its needs.
My Department has issued guidelines to assist schools in discharging their responsibilities in this area. While the guidelines recognise that there is a need for sanctions, including temporary suspension, to register disapproval of unacceptable behaviour, they stress both the need for proportionality of response to incidents of misbehaviour and the use of expulsion only as a last resort. In reaching decisions in individual cases, school authorities have to balance carefully the needs of individual students with their responsibility to the general body of their students. In the context of imposing sanctions, schools are advised they should ensure that the rules of natural justice apply and pupils are advised of their right of appeal.
The report on discipline, commissioned by my Department and completed by Dr. Maeve Martin has been made available to every school. The report sets out models of best practice and is a very valuable resource for schools. The report also indicates that curriculum change, especially the new programmes at second level such as the transition year, the leaving certificate applied and the leaving certificate vocational programme are impacting very positively on students and contribute to a reduction in breaches of discipline. The introduction of the junior certificate school programme will assist further in matching the abilities, aptitudes and interests of each student which will impact positively on the behaviour of students.
I am currently finalising proposals for the establishment of a management support service. This will be a resource for school management and help them in dealing with vital areas such as school planning and discipline. I intend to put this service in place for the new school year in consultation with the partners in education.
The Education Bill currently before the House provides for a statutory right of appeal against decisions of boards of management including decisions concerning suspension and expulsion. This right of appeal will greatly strengthen the capacity to balance all rights and obligations in this difficult area.