On Air Night Flight | Midnight - 5:00am

Minister defends schools on weather

Pupil safety 'wasn't compromised' in storms

The Education Minister insists young people's safety is the 'number one priority' when deciding to close schools in bad weather.

Concerns were raised last week when sites around the Island remained open despite being battered by Storm Ophelia.

There were no reported incidents, and pupils got home before the worst of the weather - but the Buchan, King William's College and a number of business premises all shut early.

Mr Cregeen reassured colleagues in the House of Keys earlier that decisions to close schools are never taken lightly:

More from Isle of Man News