Charles Flanagan
Question:1050 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the mechanisms that exist to facilitate schools in applying for retrospective funding for building projects. [2429/08]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 January 2008
1050 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the mechanisms that exist to facilitate schools in applying for retrospective funding for building projects. [2429/08]
View answerIt is not the policy of my Department generally to sanction retrospective funding for projects which were progressed without prior approval. My Department issued a circular to Primary and Post Primary School Authorities advising that it is inappropriate for school authorities to commit to projects and to apply retrospectively for funding. Therefore funding is not provided for projects undertaken by schools without prior approval from my Department; extras on authorised projects where schools have extended the scope of works without prior approval; variations on authorised projects with the exception of those variations detailed in the circular; or variations and extras on any project carried out without my Department's approval. Costs incurred in advancing a project beyond the authorised stage are a matter for the school management authority.
1051 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science when permission will be given to go to tender for the building of a new school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2434/08]
View answerI understand that the tender documentation for the project referred to by the Deputy is nearing completion. Progression of all projects to tender and construction are considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. As indicated at the post budget education briefing I intend to announce the first tranche of projects that will proceed to construction in 2008 shortly.