Vol. 432 No. 6
221 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education if she will provide the results of the examinations for toxic asbestos contamination of schools at Ballyhaunis, Cabinteely, Tullow, Ramsgrange and Ballymun Comprehensive; if she will give details of any contractors engaged to remove asbestos from these schools; the work, if any, that has been carried out to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Willich Insulations Limited, was engaged by my Department to remove asbestos board panels from the schools in question and the work was completed during the summer of 1992. Following the removal of the asbestos panels air tests on dust levels in the enclosures were carried out by Eolas and were found to be acceptable. However, because of concerns expressed in the case of Dunshaughlin Community College, where similar work was carried out, a further examination of the buildings is in progress and if any action is found to be necessary it will be taken before the schools re-open in September.
222 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education in regard to the closure of Dunshaughlin Community College, County Meath for asbestos decontamination, she will give details of the person or persons who engaged or hired the contractor, (details supplied), to remove asbestos panelling; if the removal contractors have been paid in full for the removal and disposal of the asbestos; the bonding or insurance to cover all eventualities provided by the contractors; the names of the architects employed to oversee the safe removal and disposal of the asbestos and their qualifications in regard to this work; the number of times the architects or their representatives visited the school to supervise and or inspect the work being carried out by the contractors; and if, in view of the seriousness of the matter, she will have arrangements made for a full independent investigation into all aspects of this affair.
The contractor was hired by my Department on the recommendation of the consultant architect and with the agreement of the County Meath vocational education committee. There is still money retained on the contract which has not been completed yet.
It is understood from the consultant architect that the contractor provided the necessary confirmation of cover for employers liability insurance and public products liability insurances. Delaney McVeigh and Pike, the architects responsible for the original school buildings were appointed to oversee the work in question. They have no specific experience in asbestos removal. The architects have reported that they visited the school eight times during the progress of the work.
The manner in which this contract was carried out is being fully examined by my Department. All relevant authorities are being consulted. In addition I have authorised the vocational education committee to engage an independant consultant to advise them on the matter.
223 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education in regard to the closure of Dunshaughlin Community College, County Meath for asbestos decontamination, there has been, at any time, a test clearance certificate issued in respect of asbestos removal and sample analysis, indicating that the school was clear; the person or persons who decided that pupils, teachers and other staff should remain in place when the asbestos contamination was first discovered; if she will consult with the Department of Health regarding an examination and continuing assessment of those who may have been exposed to asbestos; if she will give details of the role and involvement of Eolas and the Health and Safety Authority in the removal and disposal of the asbestos; and if, in view of the seriousness of the matter, she will have arrangements made for a full independent investigation into all aspects of this affair.
A test clearance certificate in respect of asbestos removal was issued by Eolas on 14 August 1992, which indicated that the school was considered as suitable for return to its normal use and occupancy. I would like to refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 190 of 15 June 1993, in which I indicated that Dunshaughlin Community College was closed by the vocational education committee as a precautionary measure following concern expressed by the staff and not as a result of any significant risk to the occupants having been identified.
As I also indicated in my reply I have sought the advice of the Health and Safety Authority and I am assured that the occupants of the building were not exposed to levels of asbestos which should be a cause of concern. I understand from the Health and Safety Authority there is no evidence that exposure to asbestos at the low levels involved in Dunshaughlin Community College would have any adverse health affects and that consequently the risk is considered minimal.
The role of Eolas during the contract was to carry out air tests on dust levels in the enclosures where the asbestos boards were removed by the contractor. The Health and Safety Authority was notified by the contractor in accordance with the EC (Protection of Workers Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations 1989.
224 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education in regard to the closure of Dunshaughlin Community College, County Meath for asbestos decontamination, the reason Meath County Council, as the competent authority under Statutory Instrument 33 of 1982 was not kept fully informed of every aspect of the removal and disposal of the asbestos; if she will provide copies of the consignment documents for the transporting of the asbestos waste to France in accordance with EC (Toxic and Dangerous Waste) Regulations, and the Transfrontier Shipment of Toxic Waste Regulations; and if, in view of the seriousness of the matter, she will have arrangements made for a full independent investigation into all aspects of this affair.
I understand that the requirement to notify Meath County Council of the work in question was a matter for the contractor and that the required notice was given to the local authority. My Department was previously informed that the material had been exported, but it has now been informed by the consultant architect that the waste has not yet been shipped as permission for exportation to France or other suitable locations has now been suspended. It is understood that the material is at present in storage and that the local authority concerned has received the required notice.
The manner in which this contract was carried out is being fully examined by my Department. All relevant authorities are being consulted. In addition I have authorised the vocational education committee to engage an independent consultant to advise on the matter.
