the Minister for Education if she will outline the cost to her Department arising from repairs to schools caused by vandalism; if it is her intention to provide a security system in schools so as to minimise the opportunities for such vandalism; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - School Vandalism.
66.
Jim Higgins
Question:212 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education if, in the light of (a) the growing problem of damage to school property and (b) the costs to her Department of repairs to school buildings and replacement of damaged equipment, she will give financial assistance for the installation of school security systems.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 212 together.
The cost of making good damage to secondary, vocational and national schools caused by vandalism is borne by the schools insurance and my Department does not incur expenditure in this regard.
There are no precise figures available on the expenditure incurred by my Department on repairs resulting directly from vandalism to community and comprehensive schools which do not have insurance.
Provision for the installation of intruder alarms is now made at the design stage when all new second-level schools and major extensions are being planned.
In national schools and in existing post-primary schools intruder alarms are provided where warranted by the circumstances.
Grants are available also for suitable perimeter fencing needed to combat vandalism.