Vol. 563 No. 1
320 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will clarify his reply to Question No. 328 of 25 February 2003 regarding Mullagh school; if all site development costs will be met by his Department for the proposed two new prefabricated classrooms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7024/03]
The 2003 building programme has now been published and full details on individual projects are available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
As previously outlined to the Deputy, my Department has made provision in this year's programme for grant aid towards the provision of temporary accommodation for Mullagh national school. My Department's building unit has recently advised the board of management to seek tenders for the provision of the temporary accommodation at the school. When these tenders have been received and reviewed, my Department will be in further contact with the board of management.
321 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science when he envisages the proposed PPP scheme for Ennis national school will commence; if the school's opting for the PPP scheme delays the recommended refurbishment and rebuilding of the school; when he envisages consultation and work commencing on the ground for Ennis national school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7025/03]
322 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science when he envisages the proposed PPP scheme for CBS primary school will commence; if the school's opting for the PPP scheme delays the recommended refurbishment and rebuilding of the school; and when he envisages consultation and work commencing on the ground for the CBS primary school. [7026/03]
323 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science when he envisages the proposed PPP scheme for Scoil Chríost Rí will commence; if the school's opting for the PPP scheme delays the recommended refurbishment and rebuilding of the school; and when he envisages consultation and work commencing on the ground for Scoil Chríost Rí. [7027/03]
353 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will be in a position to advance a public private partnership scheme for Ennis national school, CBS primary and Scoil Chríost Rí, in view of the fact that feasibility studies are completed recommending major works in these buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7311/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 321, 322, 323 and 353 together.
Under EU rules, where projects are financed on a deferred payment basis by the private sector, such as public private partnerships, the capital value of such projects is a charge on the general Government balance over the construction phase. The GGB is the critical measure of what can be accommodated within our obligations under the Stability and Growth Pact of the Maastricht Treaty. A EUROSTAT group is currently reviewing the accounting rules on this issue, as will a standing committee established by my colleague, the Minister for Finance, to advise on the GGB implications of private sector financed projects. Consideration of any new PPP projects will also be based on an evaluation of the completed pilot PPP schools project, together with a thorough assessment of affordability of the project in the context of the competing demands on the likely capital funding envelopes going forward and taking into account the issues surrounding the general Government balance.
