Seán Ryan
Ceist:23 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the delay in introducing the new system of complaints in the primary school sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16117/00]
Written Answers. - Complaints System.
A working group under the aegis of my Department, comprising representatives from the partners in education at primary level, has been engaged in the process of reviewing the complaints procedure that currently applies at primary level.
Currently, the procedure that applies with regard to processing complaints is an agreement entered into by the primary management bodies and the INTO. This procedure has been in operation for a number of years and it was considered opportune by my Department and the partners in education that it should be reviewed, particularly in light of the provisions of section 28(1) of the Education Act.
The review process is nearing completion and a further meeting, which is expected to produce the final draft, has been arranged with the partners in education for 20 June next. This meeting will discuss the advice that has recently been received from the Office of the Attorney General regarding the procedure. It is my intention, and that of the partners in education, that the new procedure would be made available to all schools during the next school year.