Darragh O'Brien (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 493: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the insurance cover in place in his Department in the event of a pupil being injured during a sports match, representing their school, during school time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35451/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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At primary level, The Constitution of Boards and Rules of Procedure requires each board of a primary school to put in place comprehensive insurance cover to safeguard the school, the Board and the Trustees. At second level, in the case of schools other than Community or Comprehensive Schools, it is the responsibility of the individual school authority to put in place insurance cover. Claims arising under these policies are processed directly between boards and their insurers without recourse to my Department.

With regard to Community and Comprehensive Schools, the State provides a general indemnity to the authorities of these schools in lieu of their taking out insurance cover against liabilities which may arise. In cases involving Community and Comprehensive Schools and where the State or Minister is joined in a personal injuries claim by any party, the State Claims Agency is the body appointed by Government to respond to such claims.