asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that following the trial of the extended school lunch hour, many parents are desirous that the former short break should be reverted to; and, if so, if he will consider obtaining the opinion of parents with a view to arranging a break in the day in each school as desired by the greater number of parents.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Hours.
Mr. A. Byrne
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that a number of schools in Dublin have now adopted the school hours 9 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. which are giving entire satisfaction to pupils and parents alike; and, if so, if he will recommend to all other schools where the broken hours are in force the desirability of the adoption of similar hours and so bring to an end the parents' complaint of having to attend the schools four times per day to bring the smaller children to and from the schools.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 48 together.
Subject to the regulations regarding the provision of a minimum period of attendance for secular instruction, the fixing of the school time-table and the extent of the mid-day interval is a matter for local arrangement with the school manager.
As I have already intimated, many parents prefer the dual day arrangement, as it affords the children an opportunity of having a hot mid-day meal at home, but I am aware that others favour the one-meeting school day with a short interval for recreation.
I am not prepared to intervene to the extent of seeking the opinion of the individual parents concerned, or of making a recommendation to managers.
I consider that the managers of national schools are in the best position to appreciate the requirements of parents and pupils in this matter.