Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak on this important debate on indiscipline in schools. I commend our teachers, the INTO, the TUI and ASTI for their commitment, bravery and professionalism in dealing with this major issue. I commend the vast majority of students and pupils who go to school each day without causing any disruption or hassle for their teachers and parents. I pay tribute to those pupils from very severely disadvantaged areas characterised by poverty, syringes on stairways, major anti-social behaviour and bad housing who still come to school each day and make a great contribution thereto. These heroes and heroines are often forgotten about by the wider society. For more than 20 years I had the honour and privilege of teaching some of them. I salute them and commend them on their courage and integrity. It is up to all Members in this House to stand by them.

The carer children should also be praised and thanked for their efforts and dedication. I refer to the beautiful child in the violent or dysfunctional family who not only gets up every morning for school on his or her own initiative but who also cooks the breakfast for his or her siblings and brings them to school safely. This is the reality for many children and they need to be helped in a positive, non-intrusive way. Sadly, we lose some of these children in their later teenage years through suicide and drugs. This nightmare for children has to end. Teachers on the front line are important because they are among those who spot these pupils. I commend teachers who put their lives on the line when dealing with cases of child sexual abuse. Many teachers have been assaulted or threatened because they have defended the rights of children in such cases. The Government and the educational authorities are responsible for supporting such teachers.

Our schools should not tolerate violence or the carrying of weapons. Bullies and violent students should be suspended, rather than victims being forced out of schools. This is the core issue for me. Schools which dither on this issue are not doing their teachers or pupils any favours. Emphasis should be placed on suspension, rather than expulsion. My civil liberties instinct tells me that a child should be given a second chance. We need to bear in mind that many children change. I urge Deputies to listen to this debate and to ensure pupils and teachers in our schools are assisted.

See this speech in context