Vol. 515 No. 2
233 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a health and safety officer has not been appointed to liaise between Scoil Chaoimhín, Sráid Mhaoilbhrídí, Baile Átha Cliath 1, and his Department's building contractors regarding the ongoing concerns of staff and parents arising from the construction work as agreed at a meeting on 8 July 1999; and the reason an artist in residence was not appointed as agreed at this meeting. [5665/00]
A working group has been established comprising officials of the Department of Education and Science and the Office of Public Works together with staff and parents representa tives from Scoil Chaoimhín to monitor all aspects of the contract works that might affect the school in any way. This working group met regularly to address various relevant issues. Many issues were raised in relation to Scoil Chaoimhín and the building work on site in the Department's offices.
The contractors engaged by the Commissioners of Public Works to carry out the redevelopment of the Department of Education and Science offices at Marlborough Street, Dublin, are required to draw up and to implement all relevant health and safety statutory regulations. The contractor's site foreman is carrying out the duties of the site safety officer.
The question of providing an artist in residence was discussed at a meeting involving senior officials of my Department and representatives of the school on 18 October 1999. On that occasion, it was indicated that the school should contact a named officer in the Arts Council with a view to developing their proposal. It was indicated that the Department would be prepared to give positive consideration to providing funding assistance for any such project.
However, I understand that to-date, the school has not reverted to my Department on this matter.
