Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when she expects to receive the final report of the task force on student behaviour; if she will commence the implementation of its recommendations in 2006 and progress same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39679/05]

Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 46: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the task force on student behaviour will report to her before the end of 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39553/05]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when the task force on student behaviour will report to her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39552/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 45, 46 and 84 together.

The Deputies will be aware that, at the start of this year, I established a task force on student behaviour in second level schools. 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, published last June, and I look forward to receiving the final report and its recommendations.

In establishing the task force on student behaviour, I stressed that this would not be a talking-shop and that the issue will be addressed. Of course 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 my determination to act very clear by providing €2 million in the 2006 Estimates to ensure that we can begin implementing its recommendations straight away. I am sure that this will be strongly welcomed by second level teachers who know that they have my support in creating the best possible environment in which to nurture the talents of all of their students.