Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 25 together.

There is no requirement for school authorities to report incidents or allegations of bullying to my Department. My Department therefore does not maintain data in this regard. Section 23 of the Education Welfare Act 2000 requires all schools to have a code of behaviour. The Act further requires that such a code be prepared in accordance with the guidelines of the National Education Welfare Board, which were issued to schools in 2008. These state clearly that each school must have policies to prevent or address bullying within the framework of its overall school code of behaviour and discipline.

I have no plans to introduce any additional legislation as suggested by the Deputy. I am, however, committed to supporting schools in tackling bullying, and it is for that reason that a wide range of supports are in place to assist schools in dealing with this important issue.

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