Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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118. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the revised Code of Behaviour Guidelines for all schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17254/26]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Under section 23 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, the Board of Management of each school must prepare and make available a code of behaviour for its students. A code of behaviour specifies the standards of behaviour that shall be observed by each student. The current guidelines to schools on developing a code of behaviour issued from the National Educational Welfare Board in 2008.

The review and updating of the 2008 ‘Developing a code of behaviour guidelines for schools’ is an action in Cineáltas: Action Plan on Bullying. Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) are leading to update the code and to reflect current Department of Education and Youth policies and procedures for schools.

A steering group chaired by TESS was formed and its membership comprised of representatives from the management bodies, unions (teaching and student), parents’ representative body along with officials from my department. A structured systematic consultation processes took place which included children and young people.

The updated Code of Behaviour guidelines are nearly finalised. The rollout of the new Guidelines will be led by TESS and will include supports for schools to assist them in updating their current codes.