The training programme in question is delivered by County Cork Vocational Education Committee to early school leavers and is funded by the Exchequer with assistance from the European Social Fund. The programme was first delivered in these premises with effect from September 1998.
Formerly, the building was in the ownership of a religious order who used it as a convent, and the VEC has recently taken a lease on the entire building. A number of other groups of existing tenants also use the building. Two are accommodated in the upper floors of the building. Another group is accommodated on the ground floor. The training programme delivered by the VEC is located on the ground floor. The VEC is satisfied that the emergency exits for participants on the programme are adequate.
In January 1999 the VEC sought my Department's approval for expenditure of £284,000 to upgrade the mechanical and electrical services in the premises. On 3 February 1999 my Department advised the VEC that an investment of the order proposed would not be feasible. Programmes for early school leavers are operated in an out-of-school setting in rented premises, and essential refurbishment of premises has to be met within the annual current budget for the running costs of the programme. The VEC is examining, in collaboration with the Department, how best an interim solution to the heating difficulties can be put in place, and whether it would be feasible to address the priority needs in upgrading the premises on a phased basis. Every co-operation in this will be extended by my Department, within the constraints of the overall budget.
