Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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262. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made to date regarding the preparation of anti-bullying procedures for schools being undertaken in his Department; if he is confident that these will be introduced in schools in September, as previously advised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21761/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Deputy will be aware that one of the actions set out in the "Action Plan on Bullying – Report of the Anti-Bullying Working Group" which was published in January 2013 requires that my Department, in consultation with the relevant education partners, will revise the existing anti-bullying guidelines for schools and have new national anti-bullying procedures in place for the 2013/14 school year. Immediately following the publication of the Action Plan, my Department invited the education partners to participate in a working group to review the existing guidelines. This work is ongoing at present. Good progress is being made and I am confident that the new procedures will be in place within the timeframe set out in the Action Plan.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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263. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if any consideration has been given to bringing forward to first-year second level classes the current range of transition year led projects aimed at combatting bullying and cyber-bullying; if these initiatives could apply in both first and transition yeears as a matter of course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21765/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As the Deputy is aware, I published an Action Plan on Bullying in January last. Taking into account all of the research reviewed and submissions and presentations received, the Anti-Bullying Working Group that produced the Action Plan did not recommend a particular anti-bullying programme, however, they did recommend nine principles that should underpin a schools approach to preventing and tackling bullying.

These are:

A positive school culture and climateA school wide approach

Effective leadership

A shared understanding of what bullying is and its impact

Anti-bullying policies

Consistent recording of reported bullying behaviour

Education and training

Prevention strategies including awareness raising

Established evidence-based intervention strategies

There is space within all subjects at junior cycle level to foster an attitude of respect for all. Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) is particularly relevant to the prevention of bullying and promotion of respect for diversity and inclusiveness at post primary level. The SPHE post primary syllabus allocates time for exploring bullying, as well as the interrelated areas of belonging and integrating, communication, conflict, friendship, personal safety and relationships. Schools and teachers have discretion as to which parts of the syllabus are taught at different stages of the school cycle.

The new Framework for Junior Cycle which will be implemented on a phased basis, from September 2014, highlights among its 8 principles - the "well being" of the young people and "inclusive education". In the statements of learning it is expected that students will have the skills and knowledge to "take action to safeguard and promote her/his wellbeing and that of others". Through the skill of "working with others" they will learn to develop good relationships and deal with conflict". All of these components which are integral to the Framework blend in with the Action Plan and should provide guidance for schools into the future.