Vol. 449 No. 7
183 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education the requirement, obligation or expectation, if any, that schools provide basic first-aid facilities for pupils who suffer illness or accident at school; and if her Department runs any courses to encourage the provision of trained personnel. [4548/95]
There is an onus on school authorities to exercise a duty of care to all those entering on school premises. Schools act in loco parentis and are expected to take such reasonable precautions and follow such reasonable procedures as would be taken by a prudent parent for any illnesses or accidents occurring at school.
In the recognition of schools, in the provision of facilities and equipment, in the approval of courses and learning activities such as fieldwork, tours, experimental and practical work, the health and safety aspects are always a primary consideration in my Department's dealings with schools. Schools are advised of their responsibilities in this regard.
In the equipping of new schools and the refurbishing of existing schools my Department ensures that basic safety features and first aid facilities appropriate to the specialist areas are provided. The consolidation of advice in the form of guidelines and procedures for the conduct of safety audits is under active consideration at present.
My Department encourages the provision of training courses for teachers in basic first-aid skills.
