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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 9 May 1991

Vol. 408 No. 2

Written Answers - School Transport.

Andrew Boylan

Ceist:

41 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Education if children who are deposited at schools before 9 o'clock by the school transport system and collected after 3 o'clock are covered by insurance during these periods.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

45 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the time duration each morning for which liability for children's safety is accepted by school authorities; if she will clarify the matter of responsibility-liability for children deposited at school premises before the start of classes and similarly in respect of schoolchildren remaining on the premises each evening awaiting transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 45 together.

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 an 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.

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