Vol. 563 No. 5
175 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science if primary or secondary schools in County Kerry are currently being investigated by the Health and Safety Authority; if so, the names of the schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8446/03]
Meánscoil An Leith-Triúigh, Bréanann, Trá Lí, has recently been investigated by the Health and Safety Authority. 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.
Individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care. It is open to school management authorities or individuals to make direct contact with the Health and Safety Authority in relation to matters of concern to them and my Department would not necessarily be aware of such communications. Where they are issued, notifications from the Health and Safety Authority are sent to the management authorities of schools, in the first instance.
