Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 November 2011
68 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills if it will be possible for a school (details supplied) in County Cork to engage local builders to construct the additional two classrooms for which he has provided funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32107/11]
View answerAll works to be allocated funding under my Department's Devolved Schemes must be offered to the market in accordance with EU and National procurement guidelines. This includes the Additional Accommodation Scheme which allows school management authorities to carry out building or improvement works to their schools. School management authorities must comply with all the requirements of Technical Guidance Documents TGD 007 and TGD 008 (Design Team Procedures for Small Works and Engaging Professional Consultants for Small Works respectively) which are available on my Department's website. These guidelines provide opportunities for all contractors to tender. Failure to comply with theses guidelines may expose the school management authorities to challenge and subsequent financial penalties from a consultant or contractor who feels he/she was not afforded an opportunity to tender. Any such challenge could also result in the project being substantially delayed.
