Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 812: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the guidelines given to schools and the responsibility schools have regarding student exchange programmes organised through the school whereby young people travel to other countries; if the schools are obliged to ensure that they are accompanied by an adult or adults during their journey; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9785/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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In 2004, my Department issued a Circular (M20/04) on Educational Tours both inside and outside the State to all second level schools. Authorisation to grant approval for educational tours by school groups was devolved to the school board of management subject to certain criteria including, consultation with parents and the provision of adequate insurance cover. The objective of an educational tour should be that it should provide a significant benefit in the educational, intellectual, cultural and social development of the maximum number of pupils in the particular grade(s) taking part in the tour and which benefit cannot be provided by in-school activities alone. Responsibility for the appropriate supervision of students on school tours is a matter for the Board of Management. A "Tour Template" is included in the Circular which prompts the Board to consider issues relating to insurance, numbers of adults accompanying the students, parental permission etc.