Vol. 536 No. 2
492 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the design teams appointed to each new primary school project or primary school extension project where work was completed or work is in hand since the Government came to power; the way in which the consultants were selected in each case; the role the board of management played in the selection process in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14004/01]
In view of the large number of major primary school building projects dealt with by my Department since this Government took office, the information is not readily available in the format requested by the Deputy. If the Deputy requires information on design teams appointed to individual building projects, I will be happy to provide the details. In regard to the selection of consultants, my Department advertises in the national newspapers for a panel of design consultants approximately every two years. The purpose of the panel is to ensure that design team consultants are drawn from as wide a pool as possible. All consultants who apply and who meet the basic criteria relating to qualification for membership of the relevant professional bodies, are placed on the panel.
The panel is only used in respect of commissions for projects that are not subject to the EU Services Directive – 92/50/EEC as amended by Directive 97/52/EC. Accordingly, if the fees for a project are likely to exceed the relevant threshold, it must be advertised in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Consultants are drawn from the panel for projects below the EU threshold as and when commissions become available. If the board of management of a school indicates a preference for a particular consultant before the project is initiated, the Department takes account of this as far as possible.
493 D'fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an bhfuil iarratas ina Roinn do scoil nua (sonraí tugtha); cén staid ag a bhfuil an plean; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [14040/01]
Is mian liom a dheimhniú don Teachta go bhfuarthas i mo Roinn an t-iarratas a luaigh sé. Tá an t-iarratas seo á mheas sa Rannóg Pleanála faoi láthair. Tabharfar breith sa chás chomh luath agus is féidir agus cuirfear scéala ina leith chuig údaráis bainistíochta na scoile.
