Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 27 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 7

Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.

Seán Crowe

Question:

151 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the principal, staff and parents of children attending St. Thomas's national school, Jobstown, Tallaght, Dublin 24 regarding the break-ins and vandalism as a result of lack of security which occurred during 2001-02; if he has considered the implication this is having on the health and safety of the staff and children and the school time lost while the damage is being repaired; and if he will consider the school's request for moneys to be allocated to pay to have security installed. [15145/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Individual school authorities are responsible for making adequate security arrangements at schools and my Department is prepared to consider applications from boards of management for grant aid towards the provision of appropriate facilities such as fencing, etc.

My Department has provided grant aid towards re-roofing of St. Thomas's senior school and these works have now been completed. Tenders have been invited for the re-roofing of St. Thomas's junior school and when they are received and assessed, my Department will be in contact with the school authorities.

St. Thomas's senior school has also applied to my Department for grant aid towards additional accommodation and this application is at an early stage.