Pubdate: Sat, 4 Dec 1999
Source: Irish Times (Ireland)
Copyright: 1999 The Irish Times
Contact:  11-15 D'Olier St, Dublin 2, Ireland
Fax: + 353 1 671 9407
Website: http://www.ireland.com/

SCHOOL TO CONSIDER CANNABIS SMOKING EXPULSIONS

A dispute about the future of two Leaving Certificate students who were
expelled from their private Dublin school for smoking cannabis at a party
has not yet been resolved, the High Court heard yesterday.

Mr Justice Kearns was told discussions between the boys' parents and the
school's board of governors have failed to lead to agreement though
settlement efforts are continuing.

The boys took legal action last month to secure reinstatement in the school
following expulsions in October, the day after one of their teachers found
they were smoking cannabis at a private party. The school operates a "zero
tolerance" policy towards drugs.

Last week, Mr Justice Kearns adjourned the case to enable discussions take
place between the parties. The judge ordered that the identity of the boys
and the school should not be disclosed.

Mr Diarmuid Rossa Phelan, for the boys, said a meeting had taken place
between the parents and the board. His side had been told there would be a
decision by the end of this week but there was none.

The boys were left in a difficult situation where their application to the
court had been adjourned while at the same time the board had adjourned its
decision. Mr Michael Howard, for the board of governors, said his side had
done what the court had suggested and had had a meeting with the children
and parents. The issue had proved extremely divisive for the board which
had deferred a decision. The board wanted to clarify a number of matters at
a further meeting which it hoped to arrange for early next week.

Mr Howard suggested the case be adjourned until December 13th. He said the
board had given extremely careful consideration to the situation. The
issues had great significance, not only for the students, but also for the
school.

The judge said it did not seem an unreasonable request and put back the
case until Friday to enable the board of governors conclude their
deliberations.

Mr Phelan said the boys had offered to make a public declaration before the
school if that would assist the school but there had been no resolution.

Mr Justice Kearns said he was glad the parties had accepted the suggestion
of talks and he was hopeful the matter would be resolved.
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