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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Bullying in Schools.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

326 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the massive problem of bullying in primary and secondary schools; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that this leads to anti-social behaviour sometimes resulting in death; and his plans to tackle this issue. [19717/02]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

344 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to make it mandatory for all schools to put anti-bullying policies in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19851/02]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

345 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to carry out a review of bullying in schools to identify the extent of the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19852/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 326, 344 and 345 together.

I am very aware of the issue of bullying in schools and my Department has moved to tackle the issue on a number of fronts. The education of students in both primary and post-primary schools in relation to anti-bullying behaviour is a central part of the social, personal and health education curriculum. The social, personal and health education programme is part of the curriculum in every primary school at present and by September 2003 will be a mandatory component of the junior cycle in all second level schools. The content of the programme reflects current best practice in the area of educating children in relation to bullying.
Guidelines were put in place in 1994 as an aid to schools in devising their individual anti-bullying strategies. The purpose of the guidelines was 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 authorities, staff, pupils and parents. The National Educational Psychological Service is also available as a support service to schools in relation to individual students who encounter difficulties. I have no plans at present to carry out a review as suggested by Deputy Enright. However, I am very aware of the issue and my Department has moved to tackle this issue, as outlined previously.
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