Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am committing to initiating a programme-led inquiry specifically to examine design, build and operate projects. It has to be independent. The Minister for Health Deputy Simon Harris, appointed an international expert to inquire into CervicalCheck. I am open to suggestions from this House regarding the design of the inquiry to ensure we address culpability and accountability and, first and foremost, have safe schools for our younger generations.

On the other issue the Deputy raises, my total focus over the past fortnight has been on safety and finding a solution for the short-term problem of relocating students. That is why the Department established a team to deal with interim accommodation and a second team to deal with communication and keep principals and parents informed. That has been the total focus to date.

I will take on board the Deputy's suggestion. This matter is moving very fast and is very fluid. I agree that there must be a sense of urgency about setting up the review, which must not impact in any way on our legal processes. The legal processes and channels we are pursuing have to continue. We have four litigation cases ongoing with WBS in four separate schools and I want to continue with those apace.

The type and model of the inquiry have not been decided. I want to ensure there is accountability and that a message goes out to members of the public, some of whom have had to deal with housing defects in recent times. I have personal experience of the mica issue in County Donegal where people are living in houses that may fall down. This type of culture drives people crazy but it is not reflective of the entire construction industry and the many bricklayers, blocklayers, carpenters and electricians who work hard and comply with the rules. This case sends out a bad message that the problem is across the board when that is not the case. There is substantial compliance with the 2014 legislation and even during the crazy years of 2008, 2009 and 2010 there was considerable compliance. The case of Ardgillan community college shows clearly that we had unacceptable practices. We have to find out what went wrong at that school and with the design, build and operate system with which there was not proper compliance. Culpability has to be followed up in that regard.

The Deputy also cited a figure for costs. I will not state a figure as to what this will cost. To give an indication, the 42 schools in question cost upwards of €151 million to build. We will not even approach that figure because many of these schools will not require the level of structural work as other schools. I do not have a figure for costs. The important issue is to have the comprehensive assessment done as quickly as possible.

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