asked the Minister for Education if he will make arrangements to ensure that the summer holidays taken in private schools and national schools cover the same period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Holidays.
26.
National schools are required to begin summer holidays not later than the third Monday in July and to close for a period of not more than eight weeks. I have no function in relation to the holiday periods of private schools. It would be a matter for the parents concerned to make whatever representations they may think fit in regard to the holiday period in the latter schools.
Would the Minister consider having the whole question of school holidays considered by his Department in conjunction with the other people concerned because of the fact that people who want to go on annual holidays find it impossible to do so until mid-July when everybody wants to go, because the children are unable to be free from school earlier?
I have said what the position is in regard to national schools, and the Deputy will appreciate that in the case of private schools receiving no assistance from the State, the Minister for Education could not impose any restriction on them.
No, but would the Minister not call a conference of all concerned to ensure that better use is made of the little fine weather we do get?
I shall refer the Deputy's observations to the Minister but I think the problem is a little more difficult than appears on the surface.
Is the Minister aware that very often seaside resorts are empty at this time of the year, while accommodation cannot be found in July and August?