Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I would like to inform the Deputy that where students feature in videos/photos produced and used by my department, consent forms are completed by both the student and the parent/guardian.

While the Department provides funding for this event, it is not directly involved in its organisation. The Department serves as one of the sponsors, contributing financial support to facilitate its success. However, the organising and management of the event are handled independently by the organisers, ESB Science Blast. The Department's sponsorship reflects its commitment to supporting STEM initiatives.

To support the Science Blast/RDS Child Safeguarding Policy, a consent form/guidance note for Science Blast was created under the expert guidance of Barnardos. A full risk assessment was also performed on the Science Blast programme. In addition, all adults/staff attending Science Blast are subject to strict rules of attendance and Garda Vetting, as required by law.

In addition to the consent form the RDS put parents on notice that unrelated, third-party media will be present so that parents can make a fully informed decision about the participation of their children in the event.

The RDS Child Safeguarding Policy is published on the Science Blast and RDS websites.