Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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374. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to support a matter (details supplied) regarding the Vocational Education Committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8046/16]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, requires school management authorities in their role as employers to ensure the safety and health of their employees.

Circular Letter M18/99 "Guidelines on Violence in Schools" issued by my Department outlines the policy to be adopted in schools where incidents of assaults on teachers occur.

This Circular draws the attention of School Management Authorities to, compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act as regards identifying hazards, assessing risks and putting in place appropriate safeguards and preventative measures, the duty of School Management Authorities to provide a safe environment for employees and other persons present in the school, measures to be taken to prevent or minimise the risk of assaults on teachers/Principals/Deputy Principals or other staff employed in schools, measures to be taken in support of staff who have been assaulted or threatened with assault and ensuring that appropriate action is taken to safeguard against a recurrence.