Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Facilities.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

34 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science whether he or his Department has carried out an evaluation of primary and second level schools throughout the country which, due to inadequate facilities, old buildings and so on, may pose a threat to the health of staff and pupils; the total number of these schools in need of urgent refurbishment; the plans if any, he has to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3670/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Following a recommendation contained in the Comptroller and Auditor General's value for money report on the provision of second level accommodation, the planning and building unit of my Department has undertaken extensive work on the issues that need to be addressed by an inventory of accommodation. Some of the items, particularly those raised by the Deputy relating to the condition of existing accommodation, are of a detailed technical nature and will need to be addressed by qualified personnel.

Accordingly, the building unit of the Department has been exploring the possibility of sub-contracting the work involved, including work relating to the creation of a computerised database. Proposals are at present being formulated by the building unit for consideration by senior management. However, any decision to proceed to the implementation phase will have to be subject to a cost benefit analysis by the Department.

In relation to the primary sector, my Department carried out a survey of schools in 1994 which provides some limited data on the overall condition of primary school buildings. Depending on the results of the studies being undertaken at second level, it may be possible to undertake similar work at primary level. However, it is far too early at this stage to indicate when such an exercise will be undertaken. The cost involved will be a crucial factor in determining whether such a project would be justified. The condition of school buildings and facilities is, in the first instance, a matter for individual school managements who receive annual funding from my Department for maintenance and minor improvement works. It is also open to schools to apply to my Department for grant-aid towards the cost of larger projects and, in so doing, school management apprise my Department of any deficiences in their accommodation.