Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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428. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there are any plans to review the policy which states that remote teaching and learning are not provided when schools are closed due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a severe weather event; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14234/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The decision to close a school in response to a severe weather event is a matter for individual school management authorities around the country, taking into consideration the full guidance and direction available from the principal response agencies, especially the local authority. Individual school management authorities are best placed to do this in light of local weather conditions, which can vary significantly in regions. Any decision to close is taken in the interest of child safety, having assessed the local risks and having consulted, as appropriate, with school transport operators.

The Departments guidance for schools in relation to making up for time lost due to unforeseen closures, which includes unforeseen closures due to weather conditions, is set out in appendix B of Circular 0072/2022 available via the following link: assets.gov.ie/239624/188a6d07-ea46-4bec-a4b9-6538128159da.docx

As outlined in Circular 0072/2022, significant flexibility is given to schools to make up tuition hours lost due to unforeseen circumstances.

My Department will be reviewing this circular later this year. This will also include setting out the dates of the standardised breaks for the 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29 school years.