Beverley Flynn
Ceist:171 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide a progress report on an investigation (details supplied) which started in September 2001. [27276/01]
Written Answers. - Departmental Investigations.
My Department investigates specific complaints which involve an alleged breach of the rules for national schools but only after every effort has been made to resolve the matter at local level.
In the case referred to by the Deputy, the complaint received by my Department alleges diffi culties encountered by the parents with the teachers at the school. When the matter was originally brought to my Department's attention, my officials corresponded with both the parents and the board of management, setting out the responsibilities of the board and outlining the Department's complaints procedure. My officials subsequently received permission from the parents of the child to pursue the matter on their behalf with the board of management of the school.
A report has been received from the board of management and is being considered in my Department. In an effort to bring this matter to a conclusion, the local inspector has been requested to interview the various parties involved, including the parents, and to submit a report on the matter. It is expected that the investigation will be concluded on receipt of the inspector's report and the parents will be informed of the outcome at that stage. I can assure the Deputy that every effort will be made to conclude this matter as speedily as possible.