Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 616: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the measures being taken to provide security for cash deposits in schools; and his plans in relation to improved security in view of the high risk and incidence of break-ins and theft at schools. [39631/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I appreciate and share the concerns of school communities regarding vandalism of school property and security in general.

Individual school authorities are responsible in the first instance for health and safety issues, including making adequate security arrangements, at schools. School authorities should liaise with their local Gardai who are best placed to provide practical advice and support and to make recommendations on how best to mitigate the potential risk to the school.

The general security of the school community is one of the issues considered in the architectural design of new school buildings and major extensions. This includes the provision of perimeter fencing, CCTV, smoke and fire alarms, emergency exits etc., as an integral part of the design process.

A devolved Minor Works Grant is paid to all fully recognised primary schools annually. Primary school authorities may use their minor works grant to deal with issues relating to security matters. The funding for the minor works grant for the 2006/7 year was increased by 44% on the previous year. Over €27m was paid out to schools throughout the country in 2007 to enable thousands of small scale works to be completed without the need to interact with the Department. Individual primary schools received a grant in the sum of €5,500 plus €18.50 per pupil.

Other avenues for grant-aid from my Department to provide improved security measures include the Summer Works Scheme, which I intend to fund in 2009 and the Emergency Works Grants. Over 4,500 small scale building projects were completed under these schemes between 2004 and 2007.