asked the Minister for Education if she will make a statement regarding the issue of insurance for schools; the cost thereof; whether whe will consider setting up a joint insurance policy within her Department to which schools could subscribe; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Schools' Insurance Costs.
162.
It is a matter for each national school board of management to arrange to have adequate insurance cover. It is understood that on average insurance costs amount to some £8-£9 per pupil. Approximately 95 per cent of national schools avail of a standard schools' policy on offer from one particular company. There are no plans, at present, for setting up a joint insurance policy for schools within my Department.
In so far as voluntary secondary schools are concerned, the position is that these schools are privately owned and managed and accordingly the question of insurance is a matter for the managerial authorities of the individual schools.
In the case of vocational schools insurance is a matter for each vocational education committee. The total cost to the 38 VECs in 1986 was of the order of £1.5 million.
Having regard to the various management structures for the different categories of schools, the question of establishing a joint insurance policy would not be a practicable proposition. It is by no means certain that a joint insurance policy operated by my Department would be any more cost-effective than the present arrangements whereby the various management authorities seek competitive quotations from insurance companies generally.
With regard to community and comprehensive schools, the State provides a general indemnity to the authorities of these schools in lieu of their taking out insurance cover against liabilities which may arise. Accordingly, the question of insurance cover in these schools does not arise.