Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We have been following up on finding out how parents and pupils feel about the anti-bullying procedures in schools. The information tells us there is a high degree of confidence among both parents and children with respect to what schools are doing to have a positive anti-bullying climate and responding where there are incidents of bullying. We monitor it in that way. For example, 98% of parents of primary school children and 93% of parents of post-primary school children are satisfied that their children feel safe in school. The response from students is somewhat similar to those percentages. We are aware there may be a small minority of schools that are still struggling to have good anti-bullying policies and responses. We must watch those, and we can use the school inspectorate and other ways to follow up. Generally speaking, the responsibility in how schools do their business goes through the board of management and principal. We have oversight with general procedures but, as I mentioned, we do not require them to report directly to us.

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