Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the same issue as Deputy Paul Murphy. I agree with much of what he said on the problems highlighted. It was scary to hear the response of the Tánaiste on this because we will see the same problems arise in years to come.

The Letterkenny Educate Together national school in Donegal is one of the 42 school buildings throughout the country that faces structural assessment in the coming days. This is a result of the unfolding scandal of questionable building practices carried out by Western Building Systems that has already resulted in the closure of three schools. Letterkenny Educate Together national school is newly opened and enjoying its first full academic year as students only moved into the new building last January. Understandably, parents and students are very concerned and have many questions that need to be answered. I have spoken to some of the parents and they have not been able to get any information from the school or the Department, which is adding to the anxiety they already face concerning the future of their children's education. I understand the school board of management has sought to reassure parents that an inspection is a precautionary measure and there is no indication the building is unsafe for pupils and staff at present but that is all they have been told by the Department. Now we hear the Department of Education and Skills has established a communications team to ensure principals have the information they need. I urge that this communication be extended to boards of management to ensure the information is also given out to parents.

I am aware that senior officials from the Department of Education and Skills and Western Buildings Systems are due to meet today. I strongly urge the Minister to present to the House further information arising from the meeting so that all Deputies have an opportunity to relay information back to their constituents. We are speaking about potentially thousands of pupils facing classroom closures. It would be a miracle if, with regard to all 42 school buildings to be inspected, alternative accommodation was secured before children return after the Halloween break.

I hope the Tánaiste can understand why parents in Donegal are particularly concerned about this. A scandal such as this harks back to other construction-related catastrophes, which this Government and the previous Government failed to adequately address. I am speaking specifically about the ongoing mica scandal in Donegal, which has affected thousands of homeowners. In reality, its full extent is still unknown. It took years for residents and public representatives such as me to secure a redress scheme while many homes perished in the meantime and others continue to degrade while we wait for the scheme to kick in. Now we hear that certain hospitals built by Western Building Systems may also be affected, as may houses around the capital.

Will the Government carry out the necessary oversight and accountability measures required of a functioning Government? Will the Tánaiste confirm when the investigation into Letterkenny Educate Together national school will be carried out? What steps will be taken to identify alternative premises should the inspection find one is required?

See this speech in context