Vol. 555 No. 3
182 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason children of four years of age are left unsupervised between 3.10 p.m. and 3.40 p.m. at the Convent of Mercy, Thomastown, County Kilkenny while waiting for buses; if he will arrange with the staff to extend their supervision during this time; and if necessary, if his Department will pay a supervisor in view of the dangers concerned. [18464/02]
In the organisation of the school transport system, buses are normally required to operate a number of runs. This is to provide a basic level of service while achieving optimum value from resources available. In order to facilitate the operation of these services, children may be required to wait some time, both morning and evening, for their service. This is a feature of the school transport scheme as operated throughout the country.
Essentially, it is a matter for the managerial authorities of primary schools to arrange adequate supervision and insurance cover for children while they are on the school premises. Subject to the authority of the board of management, it is the responsibility of the principal teacher to organise and participate in the effective supervision of pupils during breaks, lunch periods, assembly and dismissal.
