David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 164: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on the main findings of the recently published Review of Occupational Health and Safety in the Technologies in Post-Primary Schools; the action that she has taken or intends to take as a result of the publication of this review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7632/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of a safe learning and working environment for both students and school staff is the fundamental responsibility of the school management authorities. In 2004 my Department working with the State Claims Agency decided to assess existing safety standards in schools and provide a structured approach, including the provision of funding, to address any deficiencies identified. The Review of Occupational Health and Safety in the Technologies in Post-Primary Schools was published in December 2005 and addressed potential and actual issues in a large number of areas, including room design and size, fire safety, machinery safety, training and the need for appropriate signage.

The review provides valuable guidance to school management authorities and also serves as a reference document for schools to assist them in monitoring progress and in planning for further health and safety improvements. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I allocated €25 million in funding to address the key safety issues in specialist technology rooms of which €20 million was issued to schools in 2005 with the balance of €5 million due to be paid this year. This funding will enable schools to either purchase new equipment or to upgrade existing equipment as appropriate in respect of the technology subjects and to provide adequate safety signage and personal protection equipment.