asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that in certain Dublin primary schools which operate the dual school day children who are unable to return home for lunch because of travelling or other difficulties are locked out of the school premises and grounds during lunch hour; if he will state the reason for this; if he approves of it; and what action he proposes to take, if any.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Schools Lunch Hours.
33.
It is inherent in the dual school day that the day is broken into two attendance periods. Therefore, any school manager who in relation to the discharge of his obligations treats the interval between the two attendance periods as an effective break involving the closing of the school premises is entitled to do so and no action on my part would be called for.
Is the Minister aware that in certain parts of Dublin, children are locked out of school in all weathers? Would he consult the Minister for Health regarding the advisability of that practice? Further, is the Minister prepared to take this matter up with the Manager's Association?
As I understand the situation, the manager is the effective controller of the school. As I also understand from my experience, the managers are quite sympathetic to the views of parents in the area they control. I suggest that if parents would like to remove what they claim to be a hardship, the proper way to do it is by an approach to managers themselves.
Surely the Minister is aware that some managers are rather unapproachable, particularly by humble parents. In such circumstances, is it not right and proper that the Minister should take the initiative in consulting the Managers' Association about this problem?
I shall bring the Deputy's comments to the notice of the Minister.