Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 395: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when the second report from the national task force on post-primary school discipline will be ready for publication; when this will be done; if there will be a further opportunity for input from schools and boards of management to the preparation process; the funding resources she will pledge to tackling the issue of discipline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28266/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The task force on student behaviour will present a final report and recommendations later this year. Since the task force was established early this year, it has come to grips with the breadth and complexity of this vitally important area. In tackling its job, it has consulted widely and built upon submissions, research and its own analysis to define sharply the areas where in, its final report, it will make recommendations to underpin future change. In its interim report, the task force set out the broad areas that emerged from its work to that date and which it anticipated would form the bedrock of its final report. The task force has engaged in an impressive level of consultation to date. It has held meetings with all of the partners in education individually since the publication of the interim report in July 2005. A plenary meeting with all the partners and the task force is being held today. I am particularly impressed with the ability of the task force to focus on the core issues. It has indicated it is on target to produce a final report and detailed recommendations in December 2005. I am greatly encouraged by the interim report and I look forward to receiving the final report and its recommendations.