James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for giving me the opportunity to outline some of the ongoing developments that are most pertinent to the matter he has tabled for debate. I will take on board his concerns about bullying in the workplace, particularly that involving teachers in schools. Thankfully, this country has not yet reached the stage that has been reached in other countries where teachers feel threatened by students when they go to work. It is a key objective of the Government to tackle the issue of bullying in schools. It is of strategic importance to the State to provide for high-quality teaching and learning in schools. We will continue to invest in education to achieve this objective. We will provide for the education and continuing professional development of teachers. In addition, we will support the work of the Teaching Council in codifying the standards expected of teachers and teacher educators, including standards of practice that relate to the personal well-being and development of students.

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