Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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248. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on the Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill. [45118/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The overall aim of the Charter Bill is to improve the level of engagement in the school community by inviting feedback, comment and observation from the school community and by further developing a listening culture in schools.

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 on issues and policies will be heard and responded to by schools.

The Charter Bill will make a difference to the culture in our schools and will help the school community to work together in partnership.

This Bill has passed all stages of Seanad Éireann and passed Second Stage in Dáil Éireann on 8th July 2021.

Officials in my Department are continuing to engage with stakeholders including the National Parents Council and the Office of the Ombudsman for Children on matters pertaining to the Bill in advance of the Bill progressing to Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann.

The Implementation Plan for Cineáltas: Action Plan on Bullyingincludes a reference to my Department’s commitment to continue to engage with stakeholders regarding the Charter Bill with a view to progressing the legislation.