Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 May 1986

Vol. 366 No. 8

Written Answers. - VEC Insurance Cover.

181.

Mr. Bell

asked the Minister for Education if he considers that a teacher trade union has a right to information regarding insurance cover in schools; if so, if he is concerned that only 27 vocational education committees have replied to a Teachers' Union of Ireland questionnaire on insurance cover in VEC schools; if he will advise the remaining VECs to respond to the questionnaire in view of the importance of this matter to parents, students and teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

183.

Mr. Bell

asked the Minister for Education if he is concerned that the Teachers' Union of Ireland considers that only six of the 27 vocational education committees who responded to a questionnaire have what the union considers to be adequate insurance; if he will consult with the union, the VECs and the Irish Vocational Education Association on the matter; and if he will make a statement on this matter of concern to all students, parents and teachers.

Minister for Education (Mr. Cooney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 183 together. There is no information in my Department to suggest that insurance cover is not adequately provided for in the vocational education sector. While a teacher trade union has no absolute right to information regarding insurance cover in schools, it would be expected that information about insurance cover provided for teachers by vocational education committees in specific cases would be made available on request by vocational education committees. It is the responsibility of each vocational education committee to provide cover by way of insurance policies against damage by fire to their property and against public liability in the matter of accidents. It would not be appropriate for me to intervene with committees about the questionnaire which the Deputy has mentioned.