Teachers warn of weapons threat in schools

AS Hallowe’en looms and a schoolboy allegedly fired a pellet in a Meath schoolyard, primary teachers warn that parents have a responsibility to ensure their children do not bring weapons or bangers to school.

The call came ahead of Hallowe’en celebrations over the coming week and as a Co Meath school faces pressure over disciplining a pupil who allegedly fired a pellet gun in the schoolyard.

Although the 12-year-old boy was suspended, the board of Scoil na Rithe in Dunshaughlin is understood to be considering its next step. Parents are angry that the boy was allowed to remain at the school, but a spokesperson for the school was unavailable for comment yesterday.

The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) said any such incidents are dealt with on a confidential basis by school authorities, but teachers at the Co Meath school had moved at once to ensure the safety of all pupils.

INTO general secretary John Carr said all parents have a duty to ensure that their children do not bring dangerous items to school.

“Teachers cannot search all pupils and their school bags. Making sure that dangerous items are not brought to school is a responsibility of parents.”

Education Minister Mary Hanafin is due to publish legislation amending the 1998

Education Act before Christmas, which will place more emphasis on the right of other pupils and school staff when appeals are considered against schools which suspend or expel students.

Managers and teachers complain that they are often forced to take back unruly students because the existing appeals mechanism is weighted too much in favour of the offender.