Schools Building Contractors

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 April 2014

Wednesday, 9 April 2014

Questions (23)

Jim Daly

Question:

23. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied with the recourse available to creditors of boards of management of schools who are not receiving payment for services rendered, noting that his Department has issued payment to the board for the specific service; the checks and balances in place to ensure devolved funding is issued by the boards of management to the appropriate creditor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16338/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Generally, the Board of Management is responsible for contracts which exist between a school and a supplying contractor. The remedy for any breach in a contract is governed by Contract Law.

Where schools receive devolved funding from my Department for the provision of additional accommodation, the Board of Management is responsible for acquiring this accommodation in accordance with the Department's guidance documents. It is a matter for school authorities to ensure that suppliers are paid in a timely manner.

I understand that the Deputy is referring to a devolved grant of €100,000 provided to a school authority for the provision of additional accommodation. If the Deputy wishes to provide more information in relation to the project, officials in my Department's Planning and Building Unit will investigate the matter further.