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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 Oct 2003

Vol. 571 No. 3

Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

70 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has investigated the possible breach of health and safety regulations arising from inadequate or decrepit school buildings at both primary and second level throughout the country; the steps he has taken or proposes to take to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21408/03]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

166 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which his attention has been drawn to breaches in health and safety standards at primary and second level schools throughout the country; the action he proposes to take to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21756/03]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 166 together.

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. 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 set-aside a contingency sum of €8.7 million at primary level and €2 million at post-primary level to deal with emergency works, including emergency health and safety works, during 2003.

I am on record as acknowledging that the significant levels of investment made in school buildings in recent years need to be maintained and to go forward if the goal of eliminating substandard accommodation is to be achieved. To that end, in the context of the estimates process, I am seeking to put in place a multi-annual capital funding envelope for the next four to five years. I consider that the provision of such an envelope for the school building programme will enable my Department to provide greater clarity for all education partners concerning the progress of projects within the programme. The major investment of recent years in upgrading school accommodation has resulted in new and enhanced school accommodation throughout the country. In the five years up to and including 2002, a total of €1,248 million has been spent by my Department on primary and post-primary school buildings. This is a very significant investment.
The Government remains committed to continuing the work that it has started and to consolidating the substantial progress that has already been made in order to ensure that the needs of schools throughout the country are met over time. The process of investment in educational infrastructure begun by the previous Government will be continued as outlined in the agreed programme for Government.
Question No. 71 answered with Question No. 66.
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