Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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419. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether it is possible for parents to be Garda vetted to assist second level schools in providing sufficient ratios of adults to children for school trips, including transition year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14152/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Under the provisions of the Education Act, 1998 the board of management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school and the principal is responsible for the day-to-day management of a school. The Board has overall responsibility for school policies including any policy in relation to school trips/outings.

Under the Children First Act 2015, all schools in Ireland must have a Child Safeguarding Statement. This document outlines the school's commitment to safeguarding children from harm and details the procedures in place to protect them. As part of the Child Safeguarding Statement, schools must carry out a risk assessment to identify potential risks of harm to children. This assessment focuses on identifying areas where children might be vulnerable to abuse or neglect within the school setting, including outdoor and off-site activities such as school trips.

It is the responsibility of each school authority to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place while children are participating in school trips/outings.