Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 January 2006
1228 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the health and safety issue in the other 13 one-teacher schools; if the necessary moneys will be sanctioned in order that a second adult may be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40229/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra1233 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on allocating a second teacher to 13 one-teacher schools on health and safety grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40306/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra1241 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the operation of one-teacher schools from a health and safety perspective in view of the possibility of an accident happening within the school; her further views on providing either a second teacher or a classroom assistant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40361/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra1245 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the operation of one-teacher schools from a health and safety perspective, particularly in view of the possibility of an accident happening within the school; her further views on providing either a second teacher or a classroom assistant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40379/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra1384 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress which has been made on the review being undertaken of the way in which one-teacher schools can be assisted with the necessary staffing to meet modern health and safety requirements and still maintain schools in areas where these schools are operating. [2348/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1228, 1233, 1241, 1245 and 1384 together.
The mainstream teacher allocation of all primary schools, including one-teacher schools, is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. The staffing schedule is outlined in a circular which is issued annually to all primary schools. In addition such schools may be eligible for additional teacher or special needs assistant allocations in accordance with the criteria for the allocation of special needs resources.
Sections 14, 15 and 23 of the Education Act 1998 assign each board of management and principal teacher responsibility for the day-to-day management of schools at both primary and post-primary level. Principals should organise supervision for the order and general behaviour of pupils during school hours. In particular, they should organise and participate in the effective supervision of the pupils during breaks, lunch-breaks, assembly and dismissal.
Rules 121(4) and 124(1) of the rules for national schools and section 23(2) of the Education Act 1998 oblige teachers to take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of pupils and to participate in supervising pupils when the pupils are on school premises, during school time and-or on school activities. Accordingly, the responsibility of all teachers individually and collectively to provide for a duty of care at all times towards the pupils in the school in which they teach, including periods of supervision, remains. Special needs assistants, who may be assigned to schools to cater for pupils with significant care needs, may be required to assist such pupils, if appropriate.
In accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989, it is the responsibility of individual school management authorities to have a safety statement in place in their schools. The statement should identify potential hazards, assess the risks to health and safety and put appropriate provision in place to safeguard the safety and health of employees and pupils. The safety statement should be reviewed regularly.
A detailed review of the position of one-teacher schools with fewer than 12 pupils enrolled on 30 September 2004 is being undertaken and will be completed as speedily as possible.
