James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 349: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the procedures in place to deal with allegations of verbal or physical abuse of students by teachers; if, in particular, there are guidelines to deal with such allegations which are fair to all parties and cause the minimum disruption to both the student concerned, other students and the teacher; if there is a policy of temporarily relocating such students pending the outcome of any investigation; if the student has the right to be heard and represented in such an investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15382/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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In dealing with allegations of verbal and physical abuse of students by teachers the most important consideration to be taken into account is the protection of children. Their safety and well-being must be the priority. Allegations of abuse may raise child protection issues or if they are of a less serious nature may fall to be dealt with at a local level by the school authorities. Any allegation which raises child protection concerns must be dealt with in accordance with the national child protection guideline "Children First". My Department has produced guidelines for both Primary and Post-Primary schools for dealing with allegations or suspicions of child abuse by school employees and other persons. The guidelines provide detailed information for schools in relation to the handling of allegations, both from the perspective of the student and the employee.

Where an allegation, of a less serious nature, is dealt with at local level by the school authorities and a parent is dissatisfied with the way it has been dealt with, they may make a written complaint to my Department which will review the procedures and practices adopted by the school when dealing with the allegation.