O'Keeffe holds to decision to close schools

SCHOOL CLOSURES:MINISTER FOR Education Batt O'Keeffe is holding to his decision to shut the country's schools for three days from today in spite of improving weather in many areas.

His spokesman said yesterday there was “no change” to the Minister’s instruction on Friday that all schools close until Thursday because of the weather.

Primary school managers criticised the decision, saying it would lead to confusion for the minority of schools that had managed to open last week.

They are also seeking an indemnity from the Minister against legal action taken by parents claiming compensation for childcare costs arising from the closure of schools.

The decision to close schools would not be reviewed by the Government’s emergency co-ordination committee until tomorrow, Mr O’Keeffe’s spokesman said, which may be too late to allow for schools to open on Thursday if conditions allow.

If the weather remains hazardous, the closure could be extended to the rest of the week.

Asked why the decision could not be reviewed today, the spokesman said that the decision was taken on Friday not to review the order until tomorrow.

He said the national weather situation was still serious and it was important to provide clarity for staff and students. Although snow fell in some parts of the country yesterday, temperatures rose in most places and there was a significant thaw along the east coast.

The five management bodies responsible for 3,200 primary schools yesterday wrote to the Minister expressing their concerns over the decision and his failure to consult them.

They said 30 per cent of schools were able to open last week but would not be allowed to do so this week. “In locations unaffected by the current weather emergency, there is no reason for schools to close and such closures will cause unnecessary disruption for parents, children and staff.”

The letter was signed by representatives of the Catholic Primary School Management Association, the National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education, Gaelscoileanna, An Foras and Educate Together.

Minister for the Environment John Gormley said the emergency committee would assess the situation in relation to school closures at meetings today and tomorrow.