Gerry Reynolds
Ceist:327 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide electrical hand dryers at a school (details supplied) in County Sligo. [20502/01]
Written Answers. - School Facilities.
The professional and technical staff of my Department's building unit advise against the installation of electric hand dryers in primary schools. Their position is grounded primarily on concerns in relation to hygiene particularly if the dryers for any reason do not operate at the correct temperature. Because hand dryers have a high wattage there is also the issue of the operating costs that a board of management would have to face on an ongoing basis.
The position taken by my Department on this matter is a considered and balanced one in the interests first and foremost of children and also the boards of management who must ultimately manage the day to day operating costs of schools.