Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 428: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the increasing difficulty of disciplining unruly students in second level schools; the moneys which have been allocated in the 2006 Estimates for the implementation of new disciplinary strategies in schools; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that a major allocation of funds over the next few years will be required to make a significant impact; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37760/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that at the start of this year I established a task force on student behaviour. I have been particularly impressed with the ability of the task force to focus on the core issues. The task force has indicated to me that it is on target to produce a final report and detailed recommendations by the end of this year. I was greatly encouraged by the interim report and look forward to receiving the final report and its recommendations.

In establishing the task force on student behaviour I stressed that this would be no talking shop and that the issue will be addressed. Providing the best possible learning environment at second level is important, as is the need to ensure a positive atmosphere in all of our schools and to have effective procedures in place to deal with negative student behaviour where it occurs.

I expect to receive the final report of the task force by the end of this month and will arrange for its publication in due course. I have made the determination to act very clear by providing €2 million in the 2006 Estimates to ensure we can begin implementing its recommendations straight away. I am sure this will be strongly welcomed by second level teachers who know they have my support in creating the best possible environment in which to nurture the talents of all of their students.