Education Minister attends launch of Road Safety Initiative

The Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has attended the launch of the Western Education and Library Board’s Pupil/Road Safety Initiative.

Speaking at the event, the Minister said: "Road safety is of paramount importance to me on many levels, not least as a parent. At this time of year with the shortening days and the clocks about to go back this weekend, we all share the worry of our children travelling to and from school.

"As Minister of Education, I am very supportive of efforts to improve road safety and my Department has already introduced and supported a number of measures to make travel to and from school safer. I am pleased to report that around 90% of schools have road safety policies in place but more can be done, even one tragic loss is too much."

The Minister continued: "In February this year I wrote to all schools asking them to take into account and, where possible, include in their uniform policy, a consideration of the visibility of pupils and the role that this plays in their safety on our roads. The Department is currently working on guidance for schools in relation to school uniforms and reference will be made in it to this issue.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank all involved in this initiative for their hard work and I welcome the focus which the Western Education and Library Board has brought to this issue.”

Notes to Editors:

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