Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 Mar 2000

Vol. 515 No. 5

Written Answers. - Health and Safety Regulations.

Tony Gregory

Question:

59 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 233 of 24 February 2000, the number of times the site foreman met the school principal or management to discuss their concerns; if he will give details of the explosion and fire involving gas cylinders on the site on 24 February 2000; and if he will review the need for a health and safety officer independent of the contractors in view of the several incidents which have already occurred. [6484/00]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Cullen)

The contractors engaged by the commissioners of Public Works to carry out the redevelopment of the Department of Education and Science offices at Marlborough Street, Dublin, commenced work on site on 20 September 1999. In the intervening period, representatives of the contractors have held consultations with representatives of Scoil Chaoimhín on 26 occasions dealing with a variety of issues.

A fire, not an explosion, occurred at this site on 24 February 2000. The location of this fire was at a building known as the Clock Tower which is 33 metres, 108 feet, from Scoil Chaoimhín. The fire, which caused limited damage to the Clock Tower and injured no-one, was due to a leak of gas in the supply from a single gas cylinder, providing temporary heating to the Clock Tower, which ignited. This is the only such incident that has happened. The contractor has a strict health and safety regime in place at the site in compliance with his statutory responsibilities which was verified in an inspection by officials of the Health and Safety Authority on 25 February 2000. In addition, and as advised by the Minister for Education and Science in his reply to Question No. 233 on 24 February 2000, a working group was establishedab initio comprising officials of the Department of Education and Science and the Office of Public Works, together with staff and parents' representatives from Scoil Chaoimhin, to monitor all aspects of the contract works that might affect the school in any way. This working group meets regularly to address any issues of concern. Furthermore, the consultant architects, engaged by the commissioners to manage the project, monitor compliance by the contractor with his commitments under the building contract. I am satisfied that these safeguards provide sufficient protection to the occupants of adjoining properties, including Scoil Chaoimhín and to the workers on the site and I see no requirement for the appointment of an independent health and safety officer.