Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 September 2012
74. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has a date for the publication of an updated version of Government Guidelines on Combatting Bullying 1993 which includes policy guidelines on cyber bullying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40907/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that an Anti-Bullying Forum was held on Thursday 17th May bringing together a range of experts, support groups and representatives of the schools sector including parents and students.
I was very pleased to open this important Forum and to provide an opportunity to explore with all the relevant stakeholders how best to tackle bullying in schools and to consider what changes or updating of existing practices and procedures are required to achieve this having regard to what is feasible to implement in the current financial climate.
As a follow-on to holding the Forum itself, I invited the stakeholders and any other interested parties, including those unable to attend the event on the day, to submit their views on this important topic to my Department by 29th June 2012. As part of this consultation, interested parties were requested to indicate their views and proposals on any changes to existing practices and policies in schools that could improve how bullying can be tackled in schools.
The Deputy will be aware that I have also established a working group to address the issue of tackling bullying in schools, including homophobic bullying, cyber bullying and racist bullying. During the course of its work, the working group will be considering the outcomes from the Forum together with the submissions received, including those which expressed views or proposals on possible changes to existing practices and policies in schools.
