Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration will be given to the offer from the anti bullying campaign to provide training in combatting and preventing bullying to teachers and school staff free of charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40627/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Deputy may be aware that an Anti-Bullying Forum was held on Thursday 17th May bringing together a range of experts, support groups and representatives of the schools sector including parents and students.

I was very pleased to open this important Forum and to provide an opportunity to explore with all the relevant stakeholders how best to tackle bullying in schools and to consider what changes or updating of existing practices and procedures are required to achieve this having regard to what is feasible to implement in the current financial climate.

The proceedings of the Forum were broadcast live over the internet and recordings of the day's events can be now viewed by accessing the Anti-Bullying Forum webpage of my Department's website www.education.ie. The presentations of the various speakers can also be viewed and downloaded from this page.

It is intended that the working group will draw upon the expertise of a range of organisations and individuals during the course of its work. I understand that Mr. Sean Fallon of the Anti-Bullying Campaign has already been invited to meet with and make a presentation to the working group.