Vol. 510 No. 4
191 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 142 of 3 November 1999, he has satisfied himself that the first phase of the Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown, will be completed on time to allow occupation in September 2001 of the projected number of students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22937/99]
Approval was given for a new institute of technology at Blanchardstown on 8 July 1998. My Department is currently giving active consideration to the phased construction of phase 1 for Blanchardstown Institute of Technology which would mean that the first teaching building would be ready for handover in mid-August 2001 followed by the library-administration building, multi-purpose and apprentice training building being completed between September and December 2001.
Consideration of the project is at an advanced stage within my Department.
192 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Education and Science when work will commence on the extension to the Holy Family School, Cootehill, County Cavan; and if his attention has been drawn to the serious overcrowding and conditions at the school and the importance of immediate attention to this matter. [22938/99]
An application has been received from the manager of Holy Family School, Cootehill, County Cavan, for grant-aid towards additional accommodation at the school.
My Department is currently assessing the future accommodation requirements of the school. When this examination has been completed, the matter will be progressed further.
193 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Education and Science if the Christian Brothers' secondary school, New Ross, County Wexford, will be allowed progress its application for the development of new facilities and extension to the next phase of the process without further delay. [22939/99]
The managerial authorities of the Christian Brothers' secondary school in New Ross appointed a design team prior to my Department agreeing schedules of accommodation and without reference to my Department. School authorities have never been delegated sanction to engage consultants in the expectation that my Department would be bound by any such arrangements. Acceptance of such arrangements would almost certainly contravene public procurement procedures with which my Department must ensure complete adherence.
The procedures employed by my Department for the appointment of consultants are designed to ensure that relevant EU and national procurement regulations are adhered to and that the systems used are transparent, fair and equitable. Consistent with my Department's procedures, nominations for the appointment of a design team to commence architectural planning of the proposed project at this school have been provided to the school's board of management. Unfortunately, architectural planning of the project cannot begin until the board appoint a design team from the nominations provided.
