Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I take the point about whether it is a big programme or an extension. This is an area where I want to ensure we have proper procedures and vigilance in place. I have been comparing it with Northern Ireland and the UK. They have a heavily resourced building control unit in their local authorities. Obviously then it is a question of Exchequer funding because if one tries to replicate that model it is down to resources. Having found myself in this position so new in the job I believe we must examine every way in which we can have more vigilance. Families today are wondering what happened and what went wrong so we owe it to them and to the taxpayer to ensure that happens. There are plenty of structural engineers so one of the issues I will be examining as part of this overall review is whether we can have a more systematic approach to having that type of vigilance in place as well. Again, it is a question of resourcing. These are the issues we have to grapple with.

Deputy Burton talked about the disruption. Yes, it is not great to be looking at scaffolding first thing in the morning when one goes to school. She will appreciate that the decision I and the Department were faced with was about safety. Young people are adaptable and interested in learning so they will be taking note of the process going on around them, whether it is internal or external. I went to Tyrrelstown and met the two principals and members of the boards of management. The Deputy is right that they are beautiful buildings from the outside, and parents had confidence that they were okay on the inside as well. That trust was broken and-----