Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 June 2023
93. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education the expected time period for the completion of the financial robustness process for projects over €20 million; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30005/23]
View answerWhere any school building project has a projected cost in excess of €20 million, it is a requirement under the Public Spending Code to carry out a Financial Robustness Check of the shortlist of prequalified main contractors.
My Department refers such major school projects to the NDFA who then engage with the relevant contractors, who will need to respond to queries and provide documentation/evidence as required as part of these checks.
The period of time it takes to progress through a financial robustness process varies from project to project depending on its size and complexity.
Upon completion of this Financial Robustness Check, and subject to no issues arising, my Department can further progress a project to the next stage of architectural planning, Stage 3 - Tender.
The bulk of school building projects are below the aforementioned €20m threshold.
