Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 287: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a school has a responsibility to keep a younger child in school from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. until the parent is available to pick the child up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4655/04]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with the rules for national schools, the length of the school day for pupils enrolled in infants or first class may, at the board of management's discretion, be reduced by one hour to four hours and 40 minutes.

It is acknowledged that particular circumstances may arise whereby the implementation of the shorter day for these pupils can cause difficulties for some parents. Where this arises, my Department would encourage school authorities to engage with parents locally with a view to arriving at a mutually acceptable resolution. However, in the event that pupils enrolled in an infants or first class cannot be collected until the end of the school day for the more senior pupils, the school authorities would be obliged to ensure that the pupils concerned are appropriately supervised during the period in question.