Jim Higgins
Question:86 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education the reason that the May bank holiday will not be allowed as an official extra free day for schools.
Written Answers. - May Bank Holiday.
The May bank holiday, like all other public holidays, will be a free day for schools from 1994 onwards. As to its effect on the overall length of the school year, I would not wish to pre-empt the consultations on the Green Paper proposals which are under way at present. As the Deputy is aware, submissions on the Green Paper proposals are at present under examination and a National Convention to discuss issues arising from the proposals will be held this autumn following which a White Paper will be published.