Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2014
212. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration is being given to formulate a national policy on the administration of medication in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48604/14]
View answerUnder the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school.
It is important that the school management authority requests parents to ensure that the school is made aware of any medical condition suffered by any pupil attending. 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 may be 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 from an illness requiring medication, that appropriate treatment is available.
The administration of medicines in primary schools is the subject of an agreement between the Irish National Teachers Organisation and the organisation 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. The position is that either the parents of the child should make themselves available to administer medication as required or where they wish the staff in the school to administer it they should indemnify the school.
My Department cannot direct any member of the Board of Management or the teaching staff of a school to administer medical treatment to pupils, action and procedures which are normally carried out by medical professionals such as doctors and nurses.
