Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 4

Written Answers. - Food Allergies.

John Perry

Question:

160 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the provision he has in place in schools to accommodate pupils with fatal allergies to certain foods, such as peanuts, which cause anaphylactic shock; the steps and preventive measures he will take to ensure that they are not exposed to other pupils eating foods such as peanuts, which can put their lives in danger; the measures he proposes to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12699/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

It is important that the management authorities of schools request parents to ensure that the school is made aware of any medical condition suffered by any children in the school. Where the school is aware of potential difficulties that may arise as a consequence of a medical condition suffered by one or more pupils it is possible for the management authorities, working in conjunction with parents, teachers and children to put preventative measures in place, to lessen the possibility of any difficulties arising or to ensure that, if a pupil suffers an anaphylactic reaction, appropriate treatment is available.

It is due to the type of case referred to by the Deputy that the administration of medicines in school is the subject of an agreement between the Irish National Teachers Organisation and the organisations representing school management at primary level. While this agreement specifies that no teacher can be required to administer medicine or drugs to pupils, it also sets out procedures that must be followed where a teacher or teachers agree to do so.

It is this Department's experience that once the matter has been discussed in detail with the board of management and teachers of a school, and once all parties are clear as to the procedures to be followed, arrangements can normally be made to administer the type of medicine which may be required in cases such as those referred to by the Deputy.