Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 165: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary and post-primary schools that have a current buildings fire safety certificate; the number of primary and post-primary that do not hold a current buildings fire safety certificate, and if so, the reasons these schools do not hold a current fire safety certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33195/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The aggregate information requested by the Deputy is not held by my Department.

A school is not required to apply for a Fire Safety Certificate unless it is undertaking building works. A Fire Safety Certificate is a certificate granted by a Building Control Authority certifying that the building or works, if constructed in accordance with the plans, documents and information submitted to the authority as part of a planning application, would comply with the requirements of the current Building Regulations.

The Building Regulations apply to the construction of new buildings and to extensions and material alterations to existing building and to certain changes of use of existing buildings.

However, School Management Authorities have a responsibility to ensure that the School's Safety Statement includes an up to date Fire Safety Management Plan which would address fire safety in the building. All schools should have fire drills and procedures in place for actions in the event of a fire including evacuating the building.