Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 September 2023
165. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of reports that Tallaght Community National School has no working interconnected smoke alarms in the building; if she will ensure that immediate actions are taken to resolve this issue and if she will order and inspection to guarantee that all schools have adequate smoke alarms. [40839/23]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that while the relevant school authorities are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of each school, significant capital expenditure is made available by the Department via the Summer Works Scheme and Emergency Works Scheme to safeguard the future of schools by undertaking essential improvement works and addressing issues which have the potential to impact on health and safety. To date in 2023, over €60m in funding has been provided to schools under these schemes.
The ‘Guidelines on Managing Safety and Health in Post-Primary Schools’ and ‘Guidelines on Managing Safety, Health and Welfare in Primary Schools’ are management tools offering guidance and practical advice to schools. They assist in planning, organizing and managing a safe and healthy school environment for staff, pupils and visitors.
In addition, my Department’s planning and Building Unit is currently undertaking a comprehensive update of its Maintenance Manual for schools, which will provide detailed practical guidance on the implementation of a strong school maintenance regime. This will also guide schools on circumstances in which specialist expertise may be required and/or it may be necessary to make an application for support under the Department’s Emergency Works Scheme.
I wish to further advise that immediate actions are underway to resolve the issue at the school referred to by the Deputy as funding has been made available for a new fire alarm along with other electrical works through the EWS scheme and works are expected to commence shortly
