Jim Higgins
Ceist:198 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education the number of primary schools which have toilet facilities with hot and cold water and flush toilets.
Written Answers. - Toilet Facilities in Primary Schools.
The detailed information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. Its compilation would necessitate an inordinate amount of officials time which would not be warranted having regard to the large volume of more urgent work on hands.
Jim Higgins
Ceist:199 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education if the provision of soap and toilet paper is obligatory in all primary schools; and if she has satisfied herself that these are being provided.
My Department operates a capitation grant scheme which provides funds towards the maintenance and running costs in primary schools.
The boards of management of the individual schools are charged with the responsibility of providing for the needs of their schools and I would not wish to interfere by making certain items obligatory.
However, In line with good hygiene practice, it would be expected that soap and toilet paper would be made available by the management of the schools. In this regard Circular 24/82 was issued which provided guidelines for boards of management in relation to school standards. Subsection (i) of the section headed Hygiene states that: "There should be a constantly available supply of hot water, soap, medically approved hand-drying facilities and toilet paper".