Seanad debates

Monday, 22 March 2021

Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters

Bullying in Schools

10:30 am

Photo of Victor BoyhanVictor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. Her comments were exceptionally helpful. There is a review, and I welcome that. However, it is a learning curve for everyone - children, young people, teachers and parents. It is important to acknowledge that, and that we continue to monitor it on an ongoing basis. The INTO represents over 40,000 people in the staff. It represents the national schools across the Republic. We should not be short in supporting those people in their work in helping children to understand the complexities and to support them, but also to allow teachers, as individuals in the workplace, to have dignity, be respected and to be able to be themselves. Everyone is on this journey and we must support everyone. It must be kept on the agenda. We must continue working on identifying and calling it out for what it is. It is intimidation and bullying, and it is unacceptable. We will call it out for what it is and put a stop to it, as well as support the teachers, children, parents and guardians to tackle this head on.

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