Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 13 Jun 1991

Vol. 409 No. 8

Written Answers. - School Insurance.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

37 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the extent to which school authorities and her Department are responsible for the safety of children deposited at schools before classes start; if she will outline the time each morning at which children attending primary and post-primary schools are insured against accident; if there are situations where children are actually on school premises before such accident cover commences each morning and after insurance cover is withdrawn in the evening; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

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.

This advice was conveyed to schools at the time by circular letter. A copy of the circular is included as an appendix in the constitution and rules of procedure of boards of management.

School insurance cover is a matter for individual boards of management of the schools and I would, therefore, not be in a position to comment on individual school policies.

In the case of post-primary schools it is a matter for the school authorities to ensure the safety of pupils while on school premises and that adequate insurance cover exists in the event of an accident to a pupil.

The State provides a general indemnity to community and comprehensive schools in lieu of their taking out insurance cover against liabilities which may arise. This indemnity cover children from the time they arrive at school in the morning until they leave in the afternoon.