I propose to take Questions Nos. 525 and 526 together.
The stages of architectural planning referred to by the Deputy arise from my Department's design team procedures for the procurement of major capital projects. These are necessary to comply with Department of Finance guidelines which require that capital projects be fully designed prior to going to tender. They also ensure proper cost management of capital projects and facilitate compliance with statutory and public procurement requirements.
At present, there are five stages involved in the delivery of major school projects which reflects the Capital Works Management Framework developed by the Department of Finance.
The stages are as follows:
Stage 1 — Preliminary
Stage 2 — Design (which is divided into Stage 2a — Developed Sketch Scheme and
Stage 2b — Detailed Design)
Stage 3 — Tender Action, Evaluation and Award
Stage 4 — Construction
Stage 5 — Handover of Works and Final Account.
There are currently 46 major school building projects at stage 1. Of these, 29 are primary schools and 17 are post-primary schools.
There are currently 86 major school building projects at stage 2. Of these, 54 are primary schools and 32 are post-primary schools.