150. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of schools that have received threatening communications in 2026; the protocols and guidance issued to boards of management for responding to such threats; and her engagement with An Garda Síochána on supporting affected school communities. [74772/26]

The Department of Education and Youth was made aware on Wednesday 14 October, that a number of schools across the country received a threatening email. In line with standard practice, my department consulted with An Garda Síochána regarding this matter. An Garda Síochána advised that any school that had received this email should ring 999 and report the threat to An Garda Síochána and cooperate fully with any Garda instructions. My department communicated this message to school management bodies and directly to schools.7A similar incident occurred in May of this year when the department was made aware that a number of schools in Carlow received threatening emails.  My department consulted with An Garda Síochána at this time also and communicated with schools affected by the incident.

I understand that this type of threat is concerning for school communities. My department always follows the advice given from An Garda Síochána in these circumstances, in the best interests of school communities and the staff and students concerned.

My department is currently examining the lessons learned from these recent incidents. Officials in my department are reviewing the protocols in place to deal with incidents such as this and wider emergency planning measures as a whole.

As part of this, my officials will continue engage with principal response agencies and relevant education stakeholders.

We will continue to work with school authorities and stakeholders if and when these issues arise and appreciate schools’ assistance in co-operating with advice given in such circumstances.