Western Building Systems schools scandal
Deputy Coppinger pressed for a Dáil debate on the schools affected by Western Building Systems, arguing children remained out of school and the scandal had not been properly answered. The chair ruled out a debate on the spot, several Deputies argued over whether it had already been discussed, and the Ceann Comhairle eventually said the Business Committee would meet that afternoon to seek more time for both the schools issue and the budget.
I propose that the Business Committee should be asked to reconvene sometime today or tomorrow to place on the agenda of this Dáil the scandal relating to schools and Western Building Systems, WBS. In my area there are still 1,200 children who are not in school today. They have missed a whole week apart from the mid-term break. We have a scandal that has not been answered in this Dáil. Yes, there is a committee hearing later today, but that is not a full Dáil discussion and this issue merits one, given that it concerns 42 schools, that Western Building Systems is now building hospitals and that the same company apparently has a tender for modular housing.
The question the Minister needs to answer is this. Why did he say he had no issues with the work on which he signed off with Western Building Systems on the 42 schools in question when no oversight was done by the Department?
Comment on this
All parties need a chance to get answers from the Minister and in respect of previous Governments.
Comment on this
Deputy Farrell said we debated the issue last week. Given that the schools are still not open, this is an ongoing issue.
Comment on this
It may not be important to Deputy Farrell but the fact that children were put in danger because of private profit is important.
Comment on this
Private profits endanger children's lives. Deputy Farrell should stay quiet.
Comment on this
Deputy Farrell was on the council as well. What does he have to say?