Hazardous school conditions exposed in new report

Dangerous and dirty conditions in primary schools across the country have been revealed in a new report by the Health and Safety Authority.

Hazardous electrics and exposure to radon gas - which can cause lung cancer - are just some of the risks facing primary school children, according to the report.

The HAS report found that in several schools, the Department of Education has failed to provide a safe working in environment for teachers and their pupils.

Electric wiring at a school in Ardee, Co Louth broke safety regulations and at a school in Arthurstown Co Wexford constant condensation left floors dangerously wet and slippery.

This follows independent reports commissioned by teachers unions which revealed obsolete and dangerous school buildings across the country.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education says it is spending more than €500m improving school buildings.