I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 to 218, inclusive, 220, 223 to 234, inclusive, 236 and 237 together.
The information on capital expenditure in the Primary and Post-Primary sectors in respect of the various sub-programmes that constitute the School Building Programme is summarised in the attached tabular format.
The total expenditure on the primary and post primary capital subhead was €328.9m and €197m respectively, utilised across a range of sub-programmes in the School Building Programme.
The bulk of expenditure on large scale projects relates to the 26 primary school projects and the 7 post-primary school projects that reached practical completion in 2009. In addition to the completed projects expenditure was also incurred on a further 19 large scale primary school projects and a further 5 large scale post-primary school projects that were on site during 2009, the majority of which are expected to be completed this year. Expenditure was also incurred on projects that reached practical completion in earlier years and on which outstanding project and fee balances were due. Furthermore, payments also issued on fees as design work on the various stages of projects in architectural planning was completed and approved.
The Deputy will appreciate that the site acquisition process can at times be a lengthy process subject to negotiations and legal formalities which are generally beyond the direct control of my Department and as such the site acquisition programme lends itself more readily to a multi annual process. In relation to 2009, I can advise that the Department directly concluded transactions, not including those undertaken by the VECs, in relation to 9 primary school sites and 2 post-primary school sites.
Under the Permanent Accommodation and Small Schemes 2005-2007 a total of 111 primary school projects and 8 post-primary school projects were completed in 2009. Expenditure on these devolved schemes while primarily on the completed projects was also applicable to a further 25 primary projects and 5 post-primary projects that were on site in 2009 but were not completed by year end.
Applications for additional accommodation are received by the Department throughout the year and in 2009 a total of 194 such applications in the primary sector and 47 such applications in the post-primary sector were approved. Expenditure was incurred on projects approved in either 2008 or 2009 as they commenced on site and/or reached completion. Each year schools apply for funding to the Department to carry out various emergency works and in 2009 a total of 545 emergency applications in the primary sector and 327 emergency applications in the post-primary sector were approved. Expenditure was incurred on these emergency works approved in either 2009 or in earlier years as works commenced and/or reached completion. 825 primary schools and 129 post-primary schools received approval for loose furniture and equipment in 2009. The expenditure incurred relates mainly to the 2009 approvals although a small number of approvals from earlier years were also funded in 2009.
A total of 824 school small and medium scale projects benefiting 650 primary schools and 358 school small and medium scale projects benefiting 317 post-primary schools were approved in 2009 under the Summer Works Scheme. The expenditure in 2009 relates mostly to these projects although a small number of projects approved in earlier years were also funded.
The Minor Works Grant in respect of the academic year 2009/2010 issued in November 2009 to 3,242 primary schools. The special pupil element of the 2008/2009 Minor Works Grant issued in July 2009.
School Building Programme 2010
The capital allocation for the Primary and Post-Primary sectors in 2010 is €578.8m. The Primary sector allocation is €378.8m and the Post-Primary is €200m. On 16 February I announced the 2010 large scale school building programme. 52 school projects (37 Primary and 15 Post-Primary) are to advance to tender and construction and 51 school building projects (44 Primary and 7 Post-Primary) will appoint design teams this year. Approval was given for 7 new primary schools to open in September in rapidly developing areas.
Arising from earlier school building programme announcements there are 30 large scale projects (23 Primary and 7 Post-Primary) under construction at present. 27 large scale projects (19 Primary and 8 Post-Primary) are due to commence construction during the first half of the year with a further 14 projects (10 Primary and 4 Post-Primary) due to go on site as soon as possible. Payments will issue on fees for other projects already in architectural planning.
Expenditure on large scale projects in 2010 is expected to be in the region of €250m. The allocation for the Summer Works Scheme 2010 will be on the same scale as 2009 and will facilitate the completion of over 1,000 small and medium scale building works. In addition, funding will also issue to applicant schools in respect of new water conservation measures. Expenditure on the Summer Works Scheme 2010 and on commitments arising from earlier years will be in the region of €110m. An allocation of €28m has been set aside for the Minor Works grant. Throughout the year capital funding will be available for a range of programmes including the completion of the Permanent Accommodation and Small School Schemes, the completion of the Energy Efficiency Scheme, the provision of furniture and equipment, the continuation of the remediation programmes (asbestos, radon and mould), emergency works, miscellaneous items, additional accommodation (prefabricated and permanent) and site acquisitions as they arise. Expenditure on these programmes is expected to cost €190m in 2010.
I should emphasise that, depending on the rate of progress of the various components of the programme, adjustments may be made throughout 2010. These adjustments may arise in the context of the on-going monitoring of the programme undertaken by my Department in the normal course of events.
School Building Programme 2009 — Expenditure Summary
Sub-Programmes
|
Primary
|
Post-Primary
|
|
€m
|
€m
|
Large Scale Projects
|
104.809
|
62.369
|
Site Purchases
|
24.63
|
24.806
|
Pas And Sss Schemes 2005-2007
|
33.78
|
2.586
|
Additional Accommodation
|
30.1
|
9.265
|
Emergency Works
|
35.109
|
32.187
|
Remediation
|
5.268
|
3.575
|
Furniture And Equipment
|
4.233
|
4.452
|
Summer Works Scheme
|
53.198
|
50.317
|
Minor Works Grant
|
29.161
|
0
|
Energy Efficiency Scheme
|
7.306
|
3.016
|
Curriculum, Health & Safety Grants
|
0
|
3.346
|
VEC HQ Accommodation
|
0
|
0.656
|
Miscellaneous
|
1.352
|
0.451
|
Total
|
328.946
|
197.026
|