The Western Education and Library Board (WELB) is to meet with the manufactures and designers of school uniforms to explore the potential for embedding reflective materials into school clothing.

A WELB Focus Group was established after two Devenish College pupils, 15-year-old Nathan Gault and 14-year-old Debbie Whyte, died after being struck by a car as they walked home from school last year.

The Group met on Friday to update members of progress made on the Pupil Road Safety Plan.

At the meeting, members were updated on the Minister of Education's letter to local schools and Boards of Governors requesting that they take into account, in their uniform policies, the visibility of pupils and the role that this plays in their safety on the roads, particularly during the dark winter months.

Members were also informed that the WELB has formally requested that a delegation of young people from Fermanagh post primary schools to meet with the Minister to explain to her how road safety might be promoted in a culturally acceptable manner amongst their peers.

Bridie Mullan, WELB Advisor for Learning Communities, updated members with regard to ensuring the sustainability and the promotion of pupil/road safety throughout all key stages of the curriculum.

She also gave a short presentation of progress to date on the development of a dedicated website which will host and provide a link to all the statutory agencies involved.

Members also heard of the influence that has been brought to bear on uniform manufactures and designers to explore the potential for embedding reflective materials into school clothing.

The Board will meet with each of the manufacturers during the summer term to assess the progress made in this regard.

The Focus Group will meet again in May for a further update on progress made in the interim.