The Governance Manual for Primary Schools 2015 - 2019 sets out the position for primary schools with regard to insurances. Schools operating from premises owned by the Minister are obliged to take out Public Liability, Employer's Liability and content insurances but are not required to take out buildings cover.
In relation to the specific case of the school and details supplied by the Deputy, the school was advised to cover the cost of the repair works to the school lift using funds received from the 2015/16 Minor Works Grant. This grant is specifically designed to cover the cost of repairs to the physical infrastructure of the school in the current school year and far exceeds the cost of the lift repair in this instance. The school was also advised to lodge an Emergency Works application.