Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 February 2014
143. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the level of consideration that is given to health and safety constraints that exist in schools who apply for funding for remedial works to be carried out; the mechanism in place for schools to submit risk assessments and health and safety statements as part of their application process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9099/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that schools have a responsibility under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, to have a Safety Statement in place in their schools. The Statement should identify potential hazards, assess the risks to health and safety and put appropriate provision in place to safeguard the safety and health of employees and pupils. The Safety Statement should be reviewed on a regular basis.
In the case of schools where remedial works are identified, it is open to such schools to utilise their capitation grants or minor works grant in the case of primary schools to undertake such works. Where schools have issues of an emergency nature, it is open to the schools to submit an application for funding to my Department under the Emergency Works Scheme. Details of the criteria associated with the scheme together with an application form may be accessed on my Department's website www.education.ie. My Department would request that a technical report and supporting evidence relating to the issues concerned and outlining the works required should accompany any submission.
