Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 6 September 2019
386. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department is to carry out a review of its building inspection processes further to the recent revelation that 17 school buildings which were built by a company (details supplied) are in need of remedial work; if details of the inspections will be shared with school management and parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35751/19]
View answerMy Department is in the process of commissioning an independent review of current practices in the Design and Build model for the delivery of school buildings (or other similar public buildings) internationally. I expect to be in a position to announce the organisation carrying out this work shortly. The intention is that a Report will be available in the last quarter of 2019.
The Independent Review of the Design and Build Construction Model for School Buildings Internationally will be an important precursor for and input into a planned wider independent review once this is commenced.
The nature of international element of the independent review is designed to ensure that it does not prejudice the on-going legal process with respect to the School Remediation Programme. The planned wider independent review of the Department’s Design & Build Programme will not commence until the legal process has concluded. Similarly, for legal reasons, the assessment outcomes on the buildings involved are not being released at this time. However, based on engineering advice, my Department has issued written confirmation to the schools concerned that their buildings are safe to occupy.
