Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2017
160. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to issue guidelines for a procedure under the Education Act 1998 whereby parents' complaints regarding teaching or other school matters may be dealt with at local level. [47814/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware the Programme for a Partnership Government provides that the Government will introduce a stronger complaints procedure and charter for parents.
On 5 December 2016, I published the General Scheme of an Education (Parent and Student Charter) Bill 2016. The proposed legislation will require every school to consult with parents and students, and publish and operate a Parent and Student Charter.
The introduction of this proposed legislation will fulfil a key commitment in the Action Plan for Education to improve information and complaint procedures for parents and students relating to schools. The draft legislation defines the principles that will guide how schools will engage with students and parents.
Following consultation with our education partners, including the National Parents Council (Primary), National Parents Council (Post Primary) and the Irish Second-level Students Union, I will finalise national guidelines on a Parent and Student Charter.
The draft Bill went to the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills for pre-legislative scrutiny. Pre-legislative scrutiny began on 7 March with officials, NGOs and certain of the education partners, followed by a session on 21 March with some more of the education partners. The Committee held a further session with the remaining education partners on 30 May. The Oireachtas Committee have completed the pre-legislative scrutiny process. My Department will now commence drafting of the bill, in conjunction with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.
