asked the Minister for Education the present position regarding supervision of children attending national schools between the time the schools close and the time they are collected by school transport; whether the board of management has a responsibility in the matter; if the principal is entitled to close the school at official finishing time, thereby denying the children shelter, regardless of weather conditions, bearing in mind that many children in rural areas have to wait a considerable time for their school transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Supervision of Children.
146.
Mr. Coughlan
Responsibility for the welfare of pupils awaiting collection by the school transport service rests with individual boards of management. It is a matter for each board to arrange adequate supervision for children while they await the arrival of the school bus to take them to their homes.
In any case where a school might be closed, with the approval of the board of management, before the collection of the pupils availing of school transport, it would be expected that suitable arrangements for shelter for such pupils be made by the board.