Schools’ safety hit by removal of teacher substitutes

I REFER to the recent statement by Minister for Education and Science Batt O’Keeffe that, prior to 2003, schools managed without any provision for substitution cover for short-term sick leave and school business and that this did not impede their capacity to participate in relevant activities or to run things properly.

The minister and his officials seem to be totally unaware of the fact that safety legislation has changed greatly since 2003 and that the duty of care required of schools is now much greater.

There are expanded duties for boards, a much greater emphasis on safety management and an increased exposure to personal liability.