Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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108. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if anti-bullying and suicide prevention numbers have been published on homework journals for second level students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3952/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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Homework journals are generally used by pupils every day and can therefore be a useful mechanism for schools to communicate important information to pupils in relation to matters such as anti-bullying, mental health and suicide prevention. However, my Department has not prescribed that schools must use such journals or that they should contain specific information.

The Deputy may be aware that my Department, along with the Department of Health and the HSE, jointly published 'Well-Being in Post- Primary Schools: Guidelines for Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention' in 2013. The guidelines provide practical advice to post-primary schools on how they can promote mental health and well-being in an integrated manner within the school environment. The Guidelines build on the significant work already taking place in schools, including through the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum, the whole-school guidance plan, the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) continuum of support model and the HSE Health Promoting Schools Process. Information is also provided on how to access support from the SPHE Support Service and other external agencies and support services.

The Deputy will also be aware that new anti-bullying procedures for all primary and post primary schools were published at the beginning of the 2013/14 school year. The purpose of these procedures is to give direction and guidance to school authorities and school personnel in preventing and tackling school-based bullying behaviour amongst its pupils. In that regard, the procedures recognise that a positive school culture and climate is the cornerstone for preventing bullying and the procedures contain provide practical tips for building such a positive culture and climate. Under the procedures, the Board of Management must also ensure that the school's anti-bullying policy is regularly highlighted and promoted on a school-wide basis with particular attention being given to incoming pupils and their parents. The procedures are not prescriptive in relation to how this should be done and it is open to schools to do so in the manner that best suits their individual circumstances.