Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2016
510. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware of the general issue regarding schools which are prone to flooding or break-ins and consequently face very high insurance bills; the assistance she is providing in this regard; and the way in which schools can meet these costs, especially in disadvantaged areas. [5317/16]
View answerResponsibility for the payment of insurance to cover employers and public liability, and property damage rests with the Board of Management of primary schools, voluntary secondary schools and with the ETBs in respect of schools operated by them. The cost of insurance is met from the grants paid by my Department and in the case of the ETBs from the annual non-pay allocation. With regard to Community and Comprehensive schools, the State provides a general indemnity to the authorities of these schools in lieu of their taking out insurance cover against liabilities which may arise. I do recognise the need to improve funding for primary and secondary schools having regard to the reductions that were necessary over recent years. In the last budget, I secured additional funding for education and I am determined to continue pressing the case for increased investment so that our schools are better resourced.
