School managers insist they put interests of students first

School managers have rejected claims that they are unable or unwilling to deal with intimidating and violent student behaviour.

The accusation was made by the Teachers’ Union of Ireland, whose general secretary John MacGabhann said that the administrative burden that can come with appeals is making some schools slow to expel or suspend disruptive students.

However, the body representing the education and training boards (ETBs), whose schools are staffed by TUI members, said management continue to put the interests of all students first, despite pressures of fewer middle-management staff and other supports.