Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 February 2012
94 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are specific guidelines for schools in relation to the times allowed for school children to eat lunch to ensure that children have sufficient time in which to eat their lunch; if he has been in contact with parents from a school (details supplied) in County Meath in relation to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8678/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rules for National Schools provide for a midday recreation interval of one half-hour. Forenoon and afternoon breaks of five minutes each are also allowed. Where a recreation interval or breaks of a longer duration than the foregoing are taken the length of the school day must be extended correspondingly. The arrangements within the recreation interval for pupils to eat their lunch are a matter for each Board of Management to determine. My Department has not issued guidelines to schools in this regard. In the event that a parent has concerns regarding these arrangements, the parent should raise these concerns with the Board of Management in question.
