Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 750: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when a review of one teacher schools will be completed; her views on appointing a second teacher to all one teacher schools on the basis of good health and safety practice; the cost of such a measure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26384/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The review of the one-teacher schools is ongoing. As part of the review, Inspectors of my Department have been asked to submit reports on the individual schools involved. These reports on the individual schools involved are expected to be available shortly. Discussions will be held with representatives of the interested parties when all of the reports have been received and considered.

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 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 on a regular basis.

The cost of the measure referred to by the Deputy can only be determined when the reports referred to above have been received and considered.