Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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104. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider in the interest of safety for students and parents the introduction of compulsory closing of schools when there is a forecasted code red weather alert during schools hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8439/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The lead agencies in relation to determining the appropriate emergency response in any region where there is an extreme weather event or other critical incident are the Local Authorities and blue light services. In that context my Department has brought to the attention of all schools, via departmental circular PBU 04/04 – Contingency Planning in the context of a national emergency. In particular this circular requires schools to ensure that up-to-date contact details are provided to the local authority.

The particular issue raised by the Deputy in relation to having a shutdown in the event of a specific severe weather warning code is a matter of wider application as it could be equally be applicable to those travelling for any reason. The Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, in which my Department participates, co-ordinates the overall response to such events. My officials will raise the specific point within the task force with a view to informing future practice.