Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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870. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the plans in place for anti-bullying training for teachers in primary schools; the funding in place to run these training programmes; her proposals to extend this training to ensure all teachers are trained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41344/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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All trainee primary teachers receive training on the SHPE curriculum and Stay Safe programme which include elements on anti bullying and related behaviours.

The Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) are leading the provision of support in anti bullying for both primary and post primary schools.

Phase one of the anti bullying support was delivered in February and March 2014. A two hour workshop was delivered across all education centres at primary and post primary level and the workshops provided an overview of the DES anti-bullying procedures and the development of policy. In addition a webcast was developed which provides an overview of the workshop and is available on the PDST website.

Support was offered to all schools and a total of 90 workshops were delivered and over 1,500 teachers attended the workshops.

The next phase of the Anti-Bullying seminar is due to commence this week and a one day seminar is being offered across the Education Centres in relation to Awareness Raising, Prevention and Intervention Strategies based on the DES Anti Bullying Procedures at both primary and post primary level. A set of support materials have been developed for the seminar and are available for schools as a resource through the PDST website.

The overall cost is estimated at €86,000 plus personnel costs for 2014.

In addition to this training the Stay Safe programme is supported by the Professional Development Service for Teachers in primary schools. This programme is currently being revised.