(1) The principal of any public school or assisted school may suspend a student for a period not exceeding 10 school days for—
(a) gross misconduct which may be considered a risk or danger to members of staff or other students;
(b) breach of the school rules which impose a penalty of suspension;
(c) persistent breach of school rules other than those specified in paragraph (b);
(d) a refusal by the student to be inspected, examined, immunised or treated by a duly qualified medical practitioner or nurse acting in accordance with any scheme or school health programme in operation in the State;
(e) destroying or damaging without lawful excuse the property of the school;
(f) assaulting the principal, a member of staff or other employee of the school, a student or any other person lawfully present in the school;
(g) possession of any article made or adapted for use for causing injury or intended by the student for such use by him or her or by some other person; or
(h) possession of alcohol or illegal drugs and substances.
(2) A student who is suspended under subsection (1)(d) shall only be re-admitted on the production of a medical certificate signed by a duly qualified medical practitioner or nurse.
(3) For the purposes of subsections (1)(d) and (1)(2), “duly qualified” in respect of a medical practitioner or nurse, means registered under the provisions of the Registration of Medical Practitioners Act or the Registration of Nurses and Midwives Act.
(4) When a principal suspends a student the principal shall report in writing to the student's parents, the Board of Management, if one exists, and the Chief Education Officer and state the reason or reasons for the suspension.