Vol. 511 No. 6
410 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the provision, if any, he will make for the minimal educational requirement referred to in section 24 of the Education (Welfare) Bill, 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25387/99]
The purpose of section 24 of the Education (Welfare) Bill is to ensure that before a student can be expelled from a school a process is put in place which in the first instance can resolve whatever difficulties led to the proposed expulsion and in the second instance to ensure that at least a minimum education is provided for children of compulsory school-going age who are expelled from school. From a constitutional perspective the duty to ensure this falls on the State. In practice, the State can employ a range of measures to carry out its responsibility in this matter ranging from assisting a child and his or her parents to find an alternative school or in exceptional cases providing for home tuition. The particular solution adopted will depend on the particular circumstances of the case. The presence of an educational welfare officer as provided for in the Bill will greatly facilitate a successful outcome.
I would also like to inform the Deputy that I am considering amendments to this section in the context of the Committee Stage of the Bill with a view to providing further safeguards for students threatened with expulsion while at the same time acknowledging the interests of the schools and other students.
