Vol. 432 No. 3
190 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education the assurance she can give as to the health and safety of teachers and students, who used Dunshaughlin Community College during the 1992-93 academic year, prior to its closure because of the presence of asbestos dust; and the works that are to be carried out to remedy the situation at this stage.
Dunshaughlin community college was closed by the vocational education committees as a precautionary measure following the concern expressed by the staff and not as a result of any significant risk to the occupants having been identified. Because of the fears of parents, pupils and staff I have sought the advice of the Health and Safety Authority on the matter and I am assured that it is considered that the occupants of the building would not have been exposed to levels of asbestos that should be a cause of concern. I understand from the Health and Safety Authority that there is no evidence that exposure to asbestos at the low levels involved in Dunshaughlin community college would have any adverse health effects and that consequently the risk is considered minimal.
The college is currently receiving a thorough re-cleaning and it is proposed to seal the wall cavities to ensure that any asbestos fibres lodged in cracks or crevices which might become airborne if disturbed will be locked in place. Further clearance testing will be conducted before the school re-opens to allay any remaining concerns which staff or students might have.
