Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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We have not received apologies from anybody at this point. We will have an engagement with the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Richard Bruton, on the breaches of fire safety standards found in a number of primary schools nationwide. We were all quite shocked when we saw the coverage in late August of the audit that had been carried out, particularly in five schools. The purpose of the meeting is to have a discussion with the Minister on the breaches which came to light in a number of press articles. We have been very concerned about them and a number of members contacted me, as Chairman, to ensure we would have an opportunity to engage with the Minister on the issue. We are also pleased to welcome officials from the forward planning unit and appreciate their attendance. I invite the Minister to make a brief opening statement to the committee which will be followed by engagement with members.