Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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448. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views on work to review the National Action Plan on Bullying, with particular focus on the inclusion of gender identity bullying; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24333/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the deputy may be aware, my Department has commenced a review of the 2013 Action Plan on Bullying and the 2013 Anti-bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-primary Schools.

This review is taking account of developments and relevant research since the action plan and procedures were published in 2013 and is specifically considering areas such as sexual harassment and identity bullying, including gender stereotyping and gender identity bullying in both the physical and online sphere, among other areas. The review will also give detailed consideration to the recommendations contained in the Oireachtas Joint Committee Report on School Bullying and the Impact on Mental Health.

The Steering Committee established to undertake this work is chaired externally by Dr. Noel Purdy of Stranmillis University College in Antrim. The Steering Committee consists of senior officials from the Department of Education, including the Inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service, representatives of the National Parents’ Council Primary, National Parents’ Council Post-Primary, Irish Second Level Students’ Union (ISSU), the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the National Anti-bullying Research Centre in DCU and other external experts and representatives of advocacy organisations which include BelongTo, Webwise, Parentline National Traveller Women’s Forum, Women’s Aid and the Independent Living Movement Ireland.

The Anti-bullying procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools will also be reviewed and updated in parallel with this work. A working group comprised of representatives from each of the relevant management bodies and teacher and school staff unions, along with representatives from the National Parents’ Council Primary, National Parents’ Council Post-Primary, Irish Second Level Students’ Union (ISSU) and the National Anti-bullying Research Centre in DCU has been established to review the anti-bullying procedures.

This work involves significant consultation and collaboration with other Government Departments and Bodies including the Ombudsman for Children, and a broad range of education stakeholders, including parents and students.