Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a matter (details supplied). [41997/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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In line with the requirements of Sustaining Progress, agreement has been reached between the parties to the Teachers' Conciliation Council in relation to the standardisation of the breaks at Christmas, Easter and mid-term in the first and second terms for the school year.

Once schools adhere to the agreed standardisation, they have local flexibility in determining how they make up the required number of teaching days, 183 days in respect of Primary and 167 days in respect of Post Primary Schools. My Department does not centrally determine whether or not a school opts to have a closure for any particular event, once the overall number of teaching days is delivered by the school over the course of the year. This approach aims to strike a balance between allowing schools some local discretion while at the same time ensuring that pupils get their full entitlement to education. It is of course important that there be the greatest possible consultation with parents and that sufficient notice is given in relation to any school closure.