asked the Minister for Education if he will arrange next winter that the new opening hours of all schools be 10 a.m. in view of the hardship on children attending on dark mornings; and if he will have consultations with school managers and others with a view to this change.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Opening Hours.
109.
As indicated in my reply to a question on this subject on 17th July, 1969, primary school managers were advised in October, 1968, that they were free to postpone school opening for an hour in order to obviate any hardship which the introduction of European standard time might have caused to pupils. Post-primary school authorities were free to do likewise. The arrangement of school time-tables is a matter for each individual manager.
In view of the grave criticism which arose in Britain, which is half an hour ahead of the average area in this country as regards the sun, would the Minister use such influence as he has with the Government to put an end to this, because there is no saving at all in this stupid arrangement? Would the Minister use his influence to put an end to this absurd system, this so called European standard time? In the United States there are five standard times across the country. I cannot understand what the reason for this is.
It is not a matter for me.
I am just asking the Minister to use what influence he has with the Government to try to put an end to it.
As I said here previously, there has been fewer fatal accidents involving school children since this new time came in than there were previous to it.
I am delighted to hear that. We will wait for another year.