Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2006
144 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will make larger sums of money available to schools under the summer works programme to address the cost of much of the work undertaken under the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34140/06]
View answerIn the 3 years since the Summer Works Scheme was introduced, over 2,000 projects have been carried out in schools nationwide at a cost in excess of €186m. The Scheme has allowed for significant improvements in the integrity of our school buildings such as electrical and mechanical upgrades, refurbishment of specialist rooms, roof replacement and repairs, window replacement, toilet upgrades, structural improvements and access works. The amount of grant aid payable in individual cases is based on tender outcomes.
145 Mr. English asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools that have had remedial works executed due to higher than acceptable levels of radon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34223/06]
View answer161 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in the State which have not been tested for radon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34233/06]
View answer163 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if all schools in the State have now been tested for radon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34231/06]
View answer200 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of secondary schools who have had remedial works executed due to higher than acceptable levels of radon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34225/06]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 145, 161, 163 and 200 together.
The detail requested by the Deputy on the radon remediation programme is dealt with by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland. The programme, which commenced in 1998, involves surveying radon levels in schools and carrying out, where appropriate, mitigation works. The programme is 100% funded by my Department and has cost approx €6m to date.
All schools have been advised of the programme and where excess radon levels are located, funding is provided for the mitigation works. Follow-up monitoring also takes place to ensure that the remediation action has been successful. The remaining handful of schools who have not agreed to participate in the radon surveys are regularly advised of the need to do so. Radon barriers are included in the design of all new school building projects.
