Closing in the Interests of Public Health

Rule 62: Closing of School in the Interests of Public Health

When the closing of a school is deemed necessary in the interests of public health, the written recommendation of the Medical Officer of Health should be obtained by the chairperson of the board and forwarded to the Department. The responsibility for closing the school rests with the board of management.

Circular 28/’94 advises management authorities that the Director of Community Care/Medical Officer of Health is the appropriate person to decide on matters in relation to public health. Directors of Community Care/Medical Officers of Health may delegate that authority to the Senior Area Medical Officers or the Area Medical Officers who normally are local General Practitioners.