School Management

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 November 2016

Wednesday, 2 November 2016

Ceisteanna (146)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

146. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he or his Department were made aware of the sudden death of a person (details supplied) and when their colleagues wanted to attend the funeral on a school day there was no facility or discretion allowed for them to do so; if there is a policy in his Department on when a practising teacher passes away; if he will review this particular case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32757/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides assistance to all schools that experience critical incidents such as a sudden bereavement. I can confirm that a NEPS psychologist visited the school referred to by the Deputy to offer advice and support and this service remains available to the school.

In addition I can advise the Deputy that the school in question sought an exceptional closure for 21 October 2016 which was granted by my Department given the particular circumstances of the case.