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Schools Administration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2015

Tuesday, 3 November 2015

Ceisteanna (927)

Peter Mathews

Ceist:

927. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary schools that have a ban on edible nuts in place; if any legal issue has arisen because of such a ban; if her Department provides advice to schools in relation to edible nut allergies; her plans to introduce a compulsory ban on edible nuts in all primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37404/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under the provisions of the Education Act, 1998, the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school.

It is a matter for each individual school to devise its own policies around the types of food that are permissible on the school premises and such policies should be driven by the needs and welfare of the pupils. In that regard, it is important that all schools request parents to ensure that the school is made aware of any medical condition suffered by any pupil attending.

Where the school is aware of potential difficulties that may arise as a consequence of a medical condition suffered by one or more pupils, it may be possible for the school management authority, working in conjunction with parents, teachers and children to put preventative measures in place to lessen the possibility of any difficulties arising or to ensure that, if a pupil suffers from an illness requiring medication, appropriate treatment is available. This is a matter for each individual school having regard to the specific circumstances concerned. There is no requirement on schools to report to my Department on such arrangements.

The question of whether there should be a compulsory ban on nuts in all schools or in other situations where groups of children come together is primarily a public health matter and would therefore be a matter for the Department of Health.

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