Michael D. Higgins
Question:158 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the agreement reached with the teacher unions regarding the standardised school year. [15729/03]
Written Answers. - School Holidays.
Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Dempsey)
In accordance with the requirements for modernisation of the education sector as provided for in Sustaining Progress, the following arrangements have been made in respect of the arrangements for the mid-term and Christmas and Easter breaks during the school year 2003-04.
The 2003-04 arrangements to be implemented by all schools are as follows: October 2003 mid- term break – all schools will close from 27 to 31 October inclusive; Christmas 2003 – all schools will close from 24 December 2003 to 6 January 2004 inclusive and will re-open on 7 January 2004; February 2004 mid-term break – post-primary schools will close from 16 February 2004 to 20 February 2004, inclusive, and primary schools will close from 19 to 20 February, inclusive; Easter 2004 – all schools will close from 5 April to 16 April, inclusive and will reopen on 19 April 2004.
These arrangements are agreed without prejudice to closure on specific days, within the overall requirement of 167 days at post-primary level and 183 days at primary level, dictated by religious observance required in schools under the patronage of different denominations.
Discussions on formulating guidelines for subsequent years will be held with all interested parties over the coming months. The Deputy will agree that these arrangements will provide much needed certainty to parents with children attending different schools.
Question No. 159 answered with Question No. 103.