Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.

Paul McGrath

Question:

612 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the primary schools that are awaiting funding to have hazardous asbestos removed; the estimated total cost involved; and the timescale for the completion of this removal of asbestos programme. [20690/03]

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

A programme of asbestos remediation in first and second level schools is being undertaken by the Office of Public Works, at the request of my Departments building unit. Where asbestos requiring removal is detected, either as a result of the survey or otherwise, arrangements to undertake the work in accordance with the relevant health and safety legislation are made by my Department and the Office of Public Works.

At this point in the process, 2,700 out of 4,050 schools have been tested, accounting for approximately 66% of all primary and post-primary schools.

Our current records indicate that asbestos has been identified in 960 schools and 679 of these have been treated. Expenditure from 1999 to 2002 was €29.129 million; €13.707 million of this was spent in 2002. It is expected that €7.5 million will be expended in 2003.

This programme is ongoing and involves continuous monitoring of schools by the Office of Public Works. I am therefore unable at this time to give an estimated total cost or an exact timeframe for completion.