Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 27:

In page 10, after line 36, to insert the following:“(3) Where a school decides not to deal with a grievance on the basis of it being vexatious or frivolous it shall, where appropriate, notify the complaint outlining as to why it deems this to be the case, and keep a record of this decision.”.

I welcome the Minister. My amendment has been proposed to address what I believe may have been an oversight in regard to transparency. We all acknowledge that it is likely that schools will, from time to time, receive complaints that may not hold water. The opinion of the school may be that the complaint is frivolous or vexatious and, to reach a consensus, a discussion must be had about why this is the case. My amendment provides that any such decision will be put in writing and the basis for reaching such consensus will be outlined. This will be in the interest of the schools to protect themselves going forward regarding matters that may arise in the future. It will also give the complainant, where appropriate, a clear rationale as to why his or her complaint has been dismissed.

I note the drafting error in this amendment where the word "complaint" should read "complainant". I intend to address this on Report Stage.