Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 1004: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that have shut down in 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 as a result of rodent infestation; and the number of school days that were lost. [1772/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with the Health Safety and Welfare at Work Act 1989, it is the responsibility of school management authorities to address health and safety issues, including rodent infestation, that present within school grounds.

School authorities may use their capitation grant or minor works grant to deal with urgent issues relating to vermin infestation. Where this is the case and if only minor costs are involved, such as where a pest control company is employed, the matter may not come to my Departments attention. Where significant works are required an emergency works grant may be provided to solve the problem.

My Department is aware of 6 cases of rodent infestation in the school years 2005/2006, 2006/2007 and to date in 2007/2008.