Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2017
1314. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on what the policies on the appropriate usage, utilisation and measure of forced absence sanctions or punishments, suspensions and expulsions at second level school should be. [14203/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1315. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the relevant departmental sections and State agencies charged with overseeing and managing the employment and implementation of forced absence punishments or sanctions, suspensions and expulsions at second level and that are charged with examining and correcting any evident overuse at individual school level. [14204/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1316. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will examine summary information concerning forced absence sanction or punishments at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14205/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1317. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the inquiries and investigations she will initiate further to summary information concerning forced absence sanction and punishments at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14207/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1314 to 1317, inclusive, together.
The Educational Welfare Service of Tusla has advised that when it notes excessive numbers of expulsions or suspensions it can write to the School's Board of Management to offer support with a view to reducing these numbers. However, it is a matter for the School Board as to whether they accept this offer of assistance and the Educational Welfare Service does not have the authority to impose any sanctions if the school does not wish to engage. Disciplinary policy in a particular school is a matter for the Board of Management for that school. The Educational Welfare Service provides guidelines on producing codes of behaviour but cannot impose any sanctions on schools who disregard same.
In relation to the school in question, Tusla has advised that it has written to the school to offer supports and as yet has not received a response. It is important to note that any further action which may be taken in relation to this particular school is a matter for the Department of Education and Skills.
