Vol. 470 No. 1
216 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Education the amount of destruction which had been caused by arson and malicious damage to schools in the Cork area in 1995; the extent to which this destruction disrupted classes; the resultant grants committed to schools in Cork for new and/or improved security measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18475/96]
Detailed statistical information is not available to my Department on the matters raised by the Deputy in regard to vandalism to schools in the Cork area in 1995. Security of school buildings is a matter for the individual school authorities in the first instance.
In general, national schools, secondary schools and vocational schools are insured and the Department would not necessarily be informed of incidents of vandalism. Insurance claims in respect of such damage are dealt with directly by the relevant school authorities and Vocational Education Committees.
At post-primary level, all new school and major extensions are designed with provision for intruder alarm systems. Alarm systems may also be provided as resources permit in existing second-level schools where the need is established. Grants are also provided for such systems in national schools in high-risk urban areas. In addition, security lighting and perimeter fencing is provided where the particular circumstances of the school warrant it.
