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For Oral Answer on : 29/06/2023
Question Number(s): 126 Question Reference(s): 31506/23
Department: Education
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Education the dates when a review of the operation of sections 28 and 29 of the Education Act 1998 have been conducted as mandated under the Act; the person or persons who carried out any such review in each case; the outcome of these reviews; her plans, if any, to have further reviews carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 was revised in November 2020 by the insertion of section 7 of the Education[ Admissions to Schools ] Act of 2018. There is no mandatory requirement to review this amended section of the Education Act.
Section 28 of the Education Act of 1998 relates to a grievance procedures to be put in place following consultation with the patrons of recognised schools, national associations of parents, recognised school management organisations and recognised trade unions and staff associations representing teachers.
The Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill which was initiated in the Seanad in October 2019 and completed the second stage in the Dáil on 8th July 2021 is currently awaiting an order for progression to Committee Stage.
My Department is continuing to engage with key stakeholders and the Office of Parliamentary Counsel on the Bill. Once enacted, consultation will commence in relation to the drafting of the Charter guidelines, which include grievance procedures under Section 28 of the Education Act.