Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I agree, as are all the members of the task force. The task force will consider various issues. The Deputy is correct in that it is a balance of rights, between the individual student and the rest of the students in the class and a balance of rights between the teacher and the right of the teacher to be able to work within that environment. It is to ensure the creation of an educational environment in which everybody can work.

The immediate cry from everybody was for a change in the legislation. I am not satisfied that changing the legislation alone is the answer. Obviously codes of behaviour and proper procedures in the school and proper classroom management can add a lot as can ensuring that students are following a course of study appropriate to them, whether that be the LCVA or various other programmes on offer in schools. Young people should be guided to ensure they are meeting their own needs to allow them to reach their potential.

If it is suggested that a change in legislation would improve the situation for people, then I am certainly open to considering that as part of an overall package that aims to put in place a better school environment.

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