asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (a) the date on which the present contract for the erection of a new national school at Loughconneera, Kilkerrin, Carna, was sanctioned, (b) the date on which the contractor was required to have the building completed, and the number of occasions on which the final date has been extended, (c) when the last inspection was carried out and whether work was in progress on that occasion, and (d) whether it is proposed to take any steps to expedite the completion of the school.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Carna School Contract.
(a) The contractor was notified on 24th October, 1953, that his tender for the erection of this school had been accepted. (b) The date for completion of the contract was 22nd July, 1954. The period for completion has been extended eight times. (c) The last inspection of the works was carried out on the 12th April, 1956, and work was then in progress. (d) Every effort is being made to induce the contractor to expedite completion of the school.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that an inspector visited the school two weeks ago and found nobody working there at all?
That is quite possible but I am sure the Deputy realises that the school is being erected in a rather out of the way place. In addition, the contractor had trouble on several occasions in getting labour in the area and in the last three months he has been ill on three occasions. It would be as well to let it go along as it is, as 70 per cent. of the work has been done.
I am not in agreement that 70 per cent. of the work has been completed when only the block building and the roof of the school have been completed. Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider making arrangements to have the work taken out of the contractor's hands so that it may be completed?
Our engineers say that 70 per cent. of the work has been completed.