Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 October 2019
28. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to address the number of primary and secondary schools using temporary premises for their schools; the checks that take place by his Department to ensure these temporary premises are fit for purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42575/19]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is taking an integrated approach with the replacement of temporary accommodation as part of large-scale projects or as part of new projects approved under my Department’s Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA).
In relation to the 43 new schools announced over the 4 year period 2019 to 2022, arrangements have or are being put in place for the provision of accommodation for these schools, which in some instances will initially start-up in interim accommodation pending the delivery of permanent accommodation solutions being put in place as part of my Department’s Design and Build Programme. The interim accommodation provided to date for the schools which have opened in 2019 complies fully with the building regulations and all have received Building Control Amendment Regulations (BCAR) certification.
Similarly where temporary accommodation is provided at an existing school this accommodation must also comply with all statuary approvals and obtain BCAR certification.
