John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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307. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if training will be provided to teachers in all school settings in first aid and the use of an epipen; and his plans for future training programmes. [45709/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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My Department promotes the quality of teaching and learning through the provision of quality teacher training programmes and continuing professional development and support for principals and teachers in a range of pedagogical, curricular and educational areas. This is done through initial teacher education programmes, education centres and support services for teachers at primary and post-primary level.

Under the provisions 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 provide training for teachers to ensure the safety and welfare of their pupils.

In recognition of the responsibility which the Education Act has imposed on Boards of Management and the increasingly complex environment in which they must operate, my Department funds a scheme for the provision of training and development for boards of management to assist them in the discharge of their duties. The training is delivered by the school management bodies and Health & Safety is one of the areas covered. 

I wish to inform the Deputy that the administration of medicines in primary schools is the subject of an agreement between the INTO and a school management body. The organisation of training in the administration of medicines is a matter for a Board of Management and my Department has no plans for future training programmes in this area.