Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Jan 1992

Vol. 415 No. 1

Written Answers. - Altering School Starting Time.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

426 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education if he will consider altering the school starting time, as this may have consequent beneficial effects for public transport and access on public roads at peak morning times; whether he has received any submissions on such a proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mr. Davern)

The Rules for National Schools provide that schools must be open not later than 9.30 a.m. and formal instruction should commence not later than 9.50 a.m. The position regarding the operation of the school timetable is that essentially this is a matter for the board of management of each individual school who have provision within existing rules and timetable requirements to make suitable arrangements regarding starting times having consideration for transport arrangements generally.

While I have not received submissions in the matter, I would not consider it appropriate to withdraw this measure of discretion by requiring schools to open at specified times. The present regulations allow schools discretion, therefore, to meet their own local conditions.

My Department do not prescribe a starting time for post-primary schools and consequently the authorities of those schools have some discretion in the matter at present. I have not received any submissions in the matter.