Vol. 562 No. 4
267 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a sum of ?1.4 million has been set aside for the building programme for Littleton NS, County Tipperary; when it is expected the work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6471/03]
The 2003 school building programme has now been published and full details in relation to individual projects are available on my Department's website at www.education.ie. On the basis of the budgetary allocation, it was not possible to include any further projects in 2003. The budgetary allocation for 2004 and subsequent years will determine the rate of progress on projects that could not be included in this year's programme.
268 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when roof repairs will be carried out at Clane Community School, Clane, County Kildare; if the needs will be evaluated as a matter of urgency with a view to advancing the building programme through the various stages in the near future with the objective of meeting the schools requirements before the end of 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6472/03]
The 2003 capital programme has been published and full details in relation to individual projects are available on my Department's website at www.education.ie. On the basis of the current budgetary allocation and projects deemed to be of a higher priority, it was not possible to include further improvement works at Clane Community School in the capital programme for this year. The timing as to when this project can progress is dependant on the funding allocation for 2004 and subsequent years.
269 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in County Limerick has received notification from its insurance company that due to further deterioration in the school premises to a totally unacceptable level, and its view that the building is not suitable for use as a school, it is reserving its right to provide further cover under the school protection policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6473/03]
Individual school authorities are responsible in the first instance for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care. In accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989, it is the responsibility of school management authorities to have a safety statement in place in their schools. Schools are obliged to identify possible hazards, assess the risks to health and safety and put appropriate safeguards in place. In relation to conditions at schools generally, I should point out that all primary schools are given an annual allocation of €3,809 plus €12.70 per pupil under the grant scheme for minor works which can be used entirely at the discretion of school management to address basic health and safety issues relating to the school infrastructure. In addition, my Department has in recent years given approximately €90,000 in grant-aid towards health and safety works at the school in question. Provision has also been made in this year's school building programme for a smaller scale project to help address the health and safety issues at the school.
