Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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216. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school suspension in respect of a child (details supplied). [6626/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Given that this matter maybe the subject of legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on this matter at this time. I understand from my officials that the parent of the child in question has invoked my Department's Child Protection Procedures. Any allegation of child abuse received by staff in my Department is dealt with in accordance with the Department's "Procedures for responding to allegations of Child Abuse brought to the attention of staff employed by the Department of Education and Skills".

Under these procedures, the Department does not pass judgment on the allegations brought to its attention and ensures that the details of the allegation available to the Department are immediately passed on to the relevant investigatory authorities, including the relevant school authorities, the Health Service Executive and or an Gardai.