asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the function of boards of management of national schools in relation to the supervision of children after 3 p.m. and before they board their school transport.
Written Answers. - National Schools' Boards of Management.
186.
I have been advised that, where the operation of a school transport service according to time-table involves children being brought to school in the morning before normal time of commencement of school business, or children waiting at school in the afternoon after conclusion of school business, the board of management may be held liable in the event of accident to pupils during the period intervening.
Circular 24.71 conveyed to managers the advice received by the Minister for Education as to the likely decision of the courts in the event of legal action being taken on behalf of a child involved in an accident in certain circumstances. The legal advice was obtained and the circular was issued at the request of the managerial associations, who had sought clarification of the matters covered in the circular.
Boards of management are recommended, therefore, to arrange adequate supervision and insurance cover for children while they await the arrival of the school bus to take them to their homes.