Vol. 513 No. 6
424 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the regulations in place in relation to the length of the school day and the school year for primary and second levels; the submissions, if any, he has received in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3060/00]
The current position in relation to the length of the school year and other related issues was outlined to schools by circular in 1995. School authorities are obliged to ensure that schools adhere to the prescribed minimum number of teaching days per annum. At primary level the minimum number of teaching days per school year is 183, while at second level, schools are required to be open for teaching for 167 days.
At second level, the minimum number of instruction hours per week is 28, six per day or three in a half day. A full school day at primary comprises a period of not less than five hours and 40 minutes. Any day on which the pupils complete two hours and 50 minutes but less than five hours and 40 minutes is regarded as a half school day.
Subject to the requirement in the primary sector that the schools must close for the months of July and August, the organisation and structure of the school year are matters for individual boards of management or vocational education committees, which are charged with the direct governance of schools.
