Dáil Éireann - Volume 623 - 04 July, 2006

Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.

Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will bring forward legislative amendments to the Education Act 1998 before [199] the end of 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25746/06]

Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will outline the changes that will be made to section 29 of the Education Act 1998; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25745/06]

  Ms Hanafin:I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 68 together.

The Report of the Task Force of Student Behaviour in Second Level Schools, launched in March of this year, recommended that section 29 of the Education Act be amended to stress the rights of the compliant majority to learn while at the same time protecting the rights of the persistently disruptive student to an education. The Task Force also recommended examining the timeframes involved in these appeals. I have undertaken a review of the legislation as a result of these recommendations. I propose to bring forward a new Bill which will amend section 29 to take account of the Task Force recommendations and intend to publish this Bill in 2006.