I am not aware of the case referred to by the Deputy so it would not be appropriate for me to comment specifically on it. In general, however, schools have a moral and legal responsibility to make all reasonable efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of their pupils in the same way as a careful parent would.
Under health and safety legislation, school management authorities are responsible for providing a safe environment for all personnel present in the school, including pupils. In a circular issued by my Department earlier this year entitled Guidelines on Violence in Schools, schools were advised of their duties in this area and of the need to take positive measures to prevent and minimise the risk of violence within the school environment. In particular, the attention of schools was drawn to the need for effective school policies on school discipline and bullying. The circular advises schools that these policies should be reviewed on a regular basis and suggests that the early identification and resolution of weaknesses in school policies generally lessens the threat of violence in the school. The Department has issued separate guidelines to assist schools in discharging their responsibilities in relation to bullying and discipline.
