David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 596: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her Department issues policy or guidelines for secondary schools relating to pupils who are pregnant; the details of such a policy or guidelines; her plans to introduce such a policy or guidelines if they do not already exist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32031/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department does not prescribe any special rules for the treatment of pregnant schoolgirls by school authorities. However, I expect that in dealing with any particular case, school management would have regard to the sensitivity of the situation and would have as its priority the well being of the pupil concerned. I would hope that pregnancy would cause no more than a temporary absence from school and each pupil would be in a position to resume her education following the birth of the child.

It will be appreciated that no two sets of circumstances will be identical and, accordingly, management practice will vary from case to case. Generally, when it comes to the attention of the school that a pupil is pregnant, the school authorities check to ensure that the girl is receiving appropriate medical assistance and counselling advice. Schools endeavour to be sensitive and understanding to the girl's needs while trying to ensure that her education is not neglected. Home tuition is provided to pregnant schoolgirls. It is provided to pupils who are absent from school during the later stages of pregnancy or immediately following the birth of a baby when attendance may be impractical.