Over half of primary across Ireland that applied for funding to carry out fire safety works have been turned down.

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow John Brady has raised concerns over the Department of Education & Skills decision.

He said: "It is extremely concerning that over half of all applications made for these crucial works have been rejected by the Department.

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"In his reply to me, Minister Bruton assured me that his Department take the safety of children and teachers in schools "extremely seriously" however, these figures tell a very different story.

"It recently came to light that serious fire safety concerns were identified in five schools in the State and the Department appeared to be in no rush to remedy this. There should no outstanding fire safety concerns in any school, primary or secondary, in this State.

"Schools are not applying to the Department for funding specifically to address fire safety concerns unless there are, in the first instance fire safety concerns."

(CD/MH)