Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 May 1993

Vol. 431 No. 3

Written Answers. - Dunshaughlin (Meath) College Asbestos Contamination.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

208 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the high levels of asbestos contamination at Dunshaughlin Community College, County Meath, arising from the removal of asbestos panels, she will give the steps, if any, that are being taken to ensure the health and safety of staff and students at the college; the steps, if any, she intends to take to ensure that all students will be able to complete their forthcoming examinations in complete safety; if she will order an immediate independent investigation into the circumstances of the contamination; if she will identify the other five schools in the country which have had similar asbestos panels removed; and the present asbestos level in each of the schools.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

County Meath vocational education committee have decided to close part of this school to enable asbestos levels to be fully examined, and appropriate action will be taken to clear any affected areas. It is envisaged that the work will take about a week and the building will be reopened when its safety has been established.

Arrangements are being made to ensure that examinations will not be disrupted.

Asbestos panels were also removed during the summer of 1992 from Community schools at Ballyhaunis, Cabinteely, Tullow, Ramsgrange and from Ballymun Comprehensive school, and the buildings were certified as clear. As a precautionary measure my Department has asked for an urgent report on the position in these schools.