Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020
322. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education if a formal dispute resolution process has been started for a school (details supplied); if a professional independent conciliator has been appointed; if so, when the process will start; the conditions attached for the stakeholders taking part in the resolution process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41095/20]
View answerThe issue preventing the occupation of the school referred to by the Deputy has been referred to Conciliation – the standard dispute resolution mechanism under the Public Works Contract.
The Conciliator has been appointed and the first meeting with both parties took place on Friday 4th December.
It is hoped that the conciliation process, which has now commenced and which allows for dialogue between the parties and their design consultants, can provide a mechanism for resolution of the issues currently impacting on the handover and occupation of the building.
The conditions pertaining to Conciliation are as set out in clause 13.2 of the Public Works Contract. Clause 13.2.12 of the Contract provides that the Conciliation shall be confidential and the Parties shall respect it’s confidentiality. Therefore, during the Conciliation process, my Department will not be making public statements regarding the matters under conciliation or regarding the process itself.
