Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2019
190. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a college (details supplied) is entitled to implement rules stating that its pupils cannot park on the school grounds during college hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2808/19]
View answerUnder the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. In general, the Board has the responsibility to ensure that the school operates efficiently and effectively.
My Department does not issue specific guidelines on rules for the particular situation outlined by the Deputy, it is therefore a matter for each school to devise guidelines around this situation which are in line with relevant legislation such as Health and Safety legislation.
However, I do believe that schools need to be accountable to parents and we need greater levels of communication, engagement and transparency in how schools serve their communities. On 5 December 2016, my Department published the General Scheme of an Education (Parent and Student Charter) Bill 2016, which will require every school to consult with parents and students, and publish and operate a Parent and Student Charter.
