Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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65. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on recurring issues involving school insurance and school opening hours (details supplied); his further views on whether this would fall under the Ombudsman's remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32163/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Under Section 15 of the Education Act 1998, the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. Schools are required to take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of pupils and responsibility for the appropriate supervision of students is therefore a matter for the individual Board of Management.

While my Department does not issue specific guidelines on requirements for supervision in specific situations, it acknowledges that the degree of supervision required of school authorities varies with the individual circumstances.

In general, it is the duty of the Board of Management (delegated by the Trustees in schools where there are Trustees) to put in place comprehensive insurance cover for schools.

The precise nature and terms of an individual school's insurance is a matter between the individual school and its insurers.