Seanad debates

Wednesday, 27 June 2018

Education (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016: Committee Stage (Resumed)

 

10:30 am

Photo of Maire DevineMaire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am representing Senator Gavan who is busy sorting out European affairs. I do not know much about the amendment but I will support Senator Ruane and discuss it. I was a member of a school board of management. Given my expertise in the area of ill health and mental and emotional distress I was aware of certain high-risk factors but because teachers did not have the knowledge they were not aware of them. Until attention was drawn to those issues they were not included in the manual. They were ready to expel one young man who to me was clearly displaying signs of high risk and the intention to do something. A national standard is required for transparency and the protection of children, teachers and boards of management. Boards of management try very hard to run schools but a national standardised approach is necessary and it is very important that it should include risk assessment.

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