Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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383. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied that all school buildings in the Fingal area meet fire and safety regulations. [1610/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The Department initiated a programme of fire safety assessments in 55 schools in Quarter 4 of 2017. This involved 30 schools constructed by Western Building Systems under Design and Build contracts and a representative sample of 25 other schools constructed over the last 20 years. A number of schools in the Fingal area were included in this assessment process. Fire Safety Consultants have visited all 55 schools and Fire Safety Assessment reports have been received in my Department.

The Fire Safety Consultants have engaged directly with the fire officers in their respective local authorities to advise of remedial works planned and underway. The fire officers have broadly welcomed the Department’s proactive approach to dealing with the issues highlighted and have indicated their acceptance of the course of action being followed, including the identified remediation works and the fact that the schools continue to be occupied on a day-to-day basis.

The assessments are intended to give a clear picture of whether there may be issues arising out of compliance with fire safety certificates in school buildings. The assessments focus on the conformance of the school building with relevant fire safety obligations, and where deemed necessary, on recommendations for remedial actions in order to satisfy those obligations. The reports identify various housekeeping, maintenance and remedial works to be addressed and the Department has engaged the services of KSN Project Managers with a full technical team including Architects, Engineers and Fire Safety Consultants, to organise and oversee any necessary remedial works. My Department has no reason to believe that there are issues with fire safety provisions in schools generally, including in the Fingal area. These additional steps are an added precaution being taken by my Department prompted by recent concerns in Ireland and abroad regarding fire safety in public buildings.