159. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which she is responding to the recent spate of threatening emails to schools which have resulted in some cases to forced school closures. [74820/26]

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.

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 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.