My Department is mindful of the importance of value for money in the delivery of building projects and is satisfied that the tendering process undertaken in respect of each major building project including new school projects ensures that the best value for money is obtained. The School Building Unit has a basic building cost in place which is a guide in monitoring the trends that emerge from the tendering process.
My Department's policy no longer facilitates the purchase of temporary accommodation. Instead, my Department has in place a Permanent Accommodation Scheme which gives schools devolved authority to address their accommodation needs with a permanent structure. The rate in 2006 under this scheme is €120,000 for a classroom and €60,000 for a resource room in the primary sector.