Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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309. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the protocols that are in place by his Department in the event of a status red - severe weather warning for schools in the interest of child safety. [23398/14]

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 the event of a status red - 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 are currently engaging with the task force on this specific issue with a view to informing future practice.