Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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230. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of members of boards of management members for both primary and secondary schools in view of the escalation of restrictions to level 3; if boards can meet during the current level 3 restrictions; the supports her Department will give to these boards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29826/20]

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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277. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if school boards will be allowed to meet in person in line with social distancing guidelines in appropriately sized venues in order to discuss sensitive matters. [30219/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 277 together.

Boards of Management should continue to meet remotely. Alternative solutions are required to meet and operate and make important decisions in relation to the functioning of the schools. The Governance Manual for Primary Schools 2019 – 2023 provides for the use of conference calls to facilitate board meetings.

This is not necessarily restricted to the use of phones. Other on-line media platforms can be considered once the board is satisfied that appropriate security measures are in place to protect confidentiality. Where phones and other online media platforms have been used to host the meeting, this should be recorded in the minutes of the meeting. The normal requirements for confidentiality continue to apply.