Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Nov 2002

Vol. 558 No. 1

Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

269 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the conditions in a junior and senior school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the junior school, built in 1979, requires extensive refurbishment, that the roof is leaking, and that the ceiling in the secretary's office has collapsed, exposing the double skinned asbestos and that several days later this has neither been repaired nor has it been inspected by the health and safety authorities; when he will meet his obligations in view of the state of disrepair and total absence of basic facilities in both junior and senior schools; when this work will be done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23416/02]

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

Architectural planning for a building project and refurbishment works at the schools referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage.

The asbestos roof has been noted in the asbestos register of the health and safety unit of the Office of Public Works and will be monitored on a regular basis. The school was monitored on 25 November and all air tests were found to be clear.

Decisions on projects proceeding to tender and construction in 2003 will be taken in the light of the relative priority of each individual project. I will be announcing my expenditure proposals for school buildings in the new year.