Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

Will the Minister agree there are significant discipline problems in some schools in the State? Will she agree that something must be done about children from crisis families or dysfunctional situations as they often bring these social problems into the classroom? What is the Minister's response to these types of children? I emphasise these children are in the minority in primary schools and the very severe cases would account for approximately 200 to 300 children nationally. If there is no early intervention they are the children who will become involved in drugs and crime and eventually end up in prison. This aspect of the discipline problem must also be tackled.

I accept the Minister's response that classroom management is a very important aspect of discipline. Effective teaching is another angle to discipline. We are all familiar with examples of good practice in difficult schools where a good class teacher can turn the whole community and school. Has the Minister any future plans to reward the good practice of those teachers, particularly those in disadvantaged areas?

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