Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 31: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the policies that are in place on the closure of schools due to weather; if schools have been informed of these policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4225/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Provisions in relation to school closures are set out in my Department's circulars; 11/95 (for primary schools) and M29/95 (for post-primary schools). In accordance with these circulars, decisions on the need for and duration of exceptional closures rest with individual school authorities. The circulars provide that, in general, a school closure due to unforeseen circumstances should be compensated for later in the school year. I have already said I will not be dogmatic with schools on the issue. While schools should make all reasonable efforts to make up for lost time, it is accepted that there are practical considerations for boards to consider when making their decisions on the issue. It is important to recognise that this has not been a normal year and that the appropriate response of the Department in the circumstances is to allow school boards and school principals determine what can reasonably be done to ensure that by the end of the school year, courses and programmes have been completed. Senior officials from the Department recently held separate meetings with the primary and post-primary education partners. Those discussions took account of the strong tradition by schools and teachers of looking after the interests of their pupils. I am confident that any impact on teaching and learning can be addressed through good co-operation between school management, teachers and pupils supported by their parents.