Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Feb 2003

Vol. 560 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Safety.

Jack Wall

Question:

211 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the person or group which has responsibility under the health and safety acts for the children where a school has to use facilities away from the main school building and has to use the main road of the area to access the facility with the children; and if his Department is liable under its insurance for the movement of pupils in such an instance. [2818/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care. In practical terms, school authorities are best placed to assess the detail of their own health and safety requirements. It is open to school management authorities to make direct contact with the Health and Safety Authority in relation to matters of concern to them.