Vol. 473 No. 5
106 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the recent explosion in a school laboratory in County Galway, she will undertake a national health and safety audit of all schools in the country in the interests of pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1933/97]
It is the responsibility of school authorities, in the first instance, to ensure the health and safety of students and teachers.
The current position in relation to the school in County Galway is that consultants have been appointed to investigate the cause of the explosion at the school. If the investigation finds that there are points which require to be brought to the specific attention of school authorities, this will be done.
Officials from my Department's planning and building unit are involved on an ongoing basis in improving safety measures at all schools and will be consulting with the Health and Safety Authority in regard, specifically, to the County Galway incident.
In October, 1996, my Department issued two publications. These are: Safety in School Science: A Code of Practice and Safety in the School Laboratory: Disposal of School Chemicals.
In addition to this my Department has set up a help line for schools which require additional assistance to the guidelines already given. This helpline is in operation all this week.
As part of a training programme for teachers and boards of management, my Department will, with the co-operation of the Health and Safety Authority, host a number of seminars on the subject in the near future.
