Vol. 522 No. 3
236 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the costs of the items on the standard equipment lists for science laboratories in schools, distinguishing where appropriate the lists for different subjects. [18666/00]
While my Department has lists of equipment for science, school authorities, with the approval of my Department, may make substitutions. Under public procurement procedures it is necessary that all items of equipment being purchased be tendered for, thus ensuring competitiveness in the market place. It is the responsibility of each school authority to seek tenders for the supply of the equipment. Consequently, it is not possible to give an actual definitive cost per item of equipment.
