Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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776. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill 2019; the expected timeline for the enactment of the legislation; the reason for the delay in enacting the legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13698/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill 2019 has completed all stages of the Seanad and the Bill passed Second Stage in the Dáil on 8th July 2021. The Bill currently awaits an order for Committee Stage in the Dáil.

My Department will continue to engage with stakeholders on the Bill with a view to progressing the legislation.

The overall aim of the Bill is to improve the level of engagement within the school community by inviting feedback, comment and observations from students and parents and by developing a listening culture in the school.

One of the key concepts of the Bill is the need for a school to consult with students and their parents on individual school plans, policies and activities.

This approach will help ensure that the various views of students and parents will be heard and responded to by schools on issues/policies

The legislation will require every school to publish and operate a Charter in accordance with national guidelines published by my Department and will provide greater clarity for students and their parents on what they can expect from schools and will help ensure that schools and students and parents work in partnership effectively together.

Once the legislation is enacted, detailed work will commence on developing the national Charter guidelines in consultation with the education partners.