Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2009
1086 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will respond to correspondence from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 of 12 September 2009 in connection with a school and the outstanding money that has not been provided to the school to complete their building work; the action he will take in relation to issues referred to in this correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38015/09]
View answer1177 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding his contact with a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24, in respect of the refurbishment work at the school; his response to the recent exchange of correspondence between the school and his Department’s planning and modernisation unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39181/09]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1086 and 1177 together.
The bulk of the funding due for payment under the terms of the contract between the school and the contractor for this project has issued to the school on foot of appropriate certification that certain works have been completed. This is a normal requirement before funding can be provided in relation to school projects.
The dismissal of the Consultant Architect by the school has created difficulties in relation to final certification of the satisfactory completion of the project and, consequently, payment of the balance of funding due. My Department has written to the Principal and Chairperson of the board of management of the school in question addressing a number of issues regarding their school project. Professional and Technical staff from the Department will visit the school in the coming weeks to assess the situation in relation to the current status of building. Department officials will continue to work with the school authority with a view to ensuring a satisfactory outcome to the current situation.
