Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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66. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the basis on which a school's complaints procedure does not apply in the case of a student who has left the school. [38884/13]

Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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67. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department is in a position to assist students who have relevant complaints against a school in which they no longer attend and in cases where it is found that the particular school's complaints procedure is inadequate for such circumstances. [38885/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 67 together.

The Deputy will be aware from my previous reply of the role of the Ombudsman for Children where appropriate on such matters. In addition, I wish to clarify for the Deputy that the issue of quality of teaching within a school falls within the remit of the board of management and principal of that school. It is the duty of the board to provide, or cause to be provided an education for all students attending the school. In September 2009 my Department issued circulars 59/2009 and 60/2009. These circulars provide a framework for schools to manage underperformance and conduct cases. The new school self-evaluation system requires principals and teachers to identify what they are doing well and what needs to improve. Also, there is a well-established system of external inspection covering all schools. The Inspectorate's evaluations are based on classroom observations of teaching and a strong focus on learner outcomes.

Further guidance to parents on progressing a concern in relation their child's school is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie

The Deputy may be aware of my commitment to the creation of a parents' charter, to strengthen the relationships between parents and schools and to set out the rights of parents. This charter may be underpinned by legislation if necessary. I believe there is a need to look at how a stronger culture of valuing parental involvement in the level of each individual school can be created.