Vol. 511 No. 6
421 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 317 of 3 June 1998, the number of schools which have applied for grant aid towards the purchase of dust extraction systems in the past 18 months; the location where the pilot study has or will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25455/99]
To date, my Department has received approximately 53 applications for grant-aid towards the provision of dust extract systems. However, I should point out to the Deputy that, historically, my Department provided a central dust extract system in woodwork rooms in second-level schools. In recent times, concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of these dust extract systems.
In response to these concerns, a working group was set up within my Department to examine this issue. The working group has concluded that four of the officially sanctioned items of equipment used in woodwork rooms require dust extract systems.
Additionally, the working group consider that the most appropriate mechanism to redress the problem of dust revolves around updating the particular items of equipment so that each of these machines has its own integral dust extract system.
In advance of formally recommending this approach, the working group advise that it is necessary to pilot the new equipment. Officials in my Department are currently selecting schools for participation in the pilot scheme.
