31st August 2002 - School Closures Threat
School Closures Threat
The issue of supervision and the threat of closures in primary schools highlighted in the recent media coverage was discussed by the executive of the Irish Primary Principals Network at a meeting in Galway on Saturday August 31st.
IPPN wishes to state that the duty of care in relation to children held by all teachers by virtue of their contract remains unchanged.
Accordingly, the IPPN executive recommends that until revised arrangements are put in place by official Department of Education and Science circular the existing supervision arrangements in each primary school should remain.
This will eliminate the current threat of any possible disruption to primary schools as a new school year begins.
In the interest of good school organisation and pupil safety IPPN urges the DES, INTO and management bodies to bring about a speedy and effective resolution to this impending problem that is a particular concern to principals and deputy principals of 3,300 primary schools nation-wide.
Ends
For Further information:
Sean Cottrell (National Director for IPPN)
1890 21 22 23 (office)
086 6478717 (mobile)
Tomas O Slatara (PRO)
086 6486801 (mobile)
