Vol. 508 No. 1
839 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of cases of reported bullying of teachers in recent years by other teachers and pupils; the financial cost of this having regard to sick leave and costs of employing substitute teachers;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17592/99]
Schools are not required to notify my Department of instances of bullying behaviour involving teachers and pupils. Accordingly, I am unable to give the information requested by the Deputy.
Bullying in schools is an issue of particular concern to me. My Department has issued guidelines to assist schools in discharging their responsibilities in this area. The purpose of the guidelines is to assist schools in devising school based measures to prevent and deal with instances of bullying behaviour and to increase awareness of the problem among school management, staff, pupils and parents. Schools have also been informed of their responsibility under the health and safety legislation to take steps to safeguard the health and safety of teachers and others present in the school.
