Jennifer Whitmore
Question:386. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education when a process (details supplied) will conclude; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23020/21]
View answerWednesday, 5 May 2021
Questions (386)
Written answers
The conciliation process regarding the defects notices issued by my Department commenced in early December and has now come to a conclusion. The parties have not reached agreement during the Conciliation and it now falls to the Conciliator to issue a Determination Report outlining the process, the issues considered and his recommendations on the matters referred to conciliation.
The Conciliator issued his final determination report on Monday 26th April. Under the Contract it is now open to either party to accept or reject the Determination Report within a period of 42 days. If neither party rejects the Report within this 42 day period, then the Report and the recommendations therein are deemed to have been accepted. While the Report remains under consideration, the confidentiality clauses of the Contract and the Conciliation process continue to apply.
Notwithstanding that agreement was not reached, the conciliation process has identified possible alternative options for achieving compliance with the Fire Cert (based on the as-built situation). There is a process and methodology with such an alternative process and it may require a new fire test to replicate the as-built position. My Department intends to pursue these alternative options for achieving compliance with the Fire Cert and will be making necessary arrangements to facilitate same. My Department will keep the school authorities updated on next steps involved.
My Department is taking a prudent approach to ensure it is fully satisfied that the school building meets all safety requirements and that the contractor complies with all its contractual obligations.