Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Safety.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

192 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Castleknock Educate Together National School was forced to close before the end of the school term due to the discovery of asbestos in the temporary premises in St. Joseph's school for the deaf in Cabra; the pro vision which is being made to ensure that the pupils of this school have a school building by the start of the next academic year; when the pre-fab accommodation for the site on Beechpark Avenue, Castleknock will be provided for the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19335/01]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

193 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the action his Department took, before sanctioning the use of buildings in St. Joseph's School for the Deaf, Cabra, to check that there was no asbestos in the school building; if a standard check is made before such sanctions; the extent of the work that was carried out to the school building before opening it to pupils and teachers; the actions being taken to check other buildings in the grounds of the school for the deaf in Cabra; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19337/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 193 together.

The sourcing of accommodation for schools, before a permanent location is secured by my Department, is primarily a matter for the school authorities concerned.

As part of the nation-wide asbestos remediation programme under way at present, work on the asbestos removal has already started at the school in question and it is anticipated that it will be completed before the commencement of the next school year.

Planning permission has been obtained for the provision of temporary accommodation for Castleknock Educate Together national school at Beechpark Avenue, where the school will be permanently located. While every effort will be made to have the accommodation in place as quickly as possible, it is unlikely that it will be available for occupation by September 2001.