I thank Deputy Gilmore for the opportunity to inform the House of the factual position relating to this issue.
In April 2002, my predecessor published, on the Department's website, a list of schools building projects which were to be progressed as part of the 2002 school building programme. This list of intended projects was based on a revised budget allocation of €172.64 million for primary school buildings. One of the crucial aspects of managing a multi-million euro annual capital programme is the timing of allowing projects to proceed to tender and construction. Some projects were scheduled to proceed to tender and construction in early 2002 and others were scheduled for later in the year. A substantial number of projects did proceed through design and on to construction. However, it became clear in late 2002 that the funding allocation for 2003 might be less than anticipated. On this basis, it was prudent not to proceed in late 2002 with the projects intended to go to tender and construction and to defer consideration of these projects until funding for 2003 was certain.
The publication of the Estimates in November 2002 detailed the 2003 funding allocation of €147.7 million for primary capital projects. Subsequently, I reallocated €20 million from within my overall departmental budget to increase the funding available to €167.7 million. The 2003 school building programme was based on this increased allocation.
I understand the frustration felt by schools that believed that their project would proceed to tender and construction in late 2002 and early 2003 and subsequently did not. However, Deputies will understand that I could only allow projects to advance within the funding available for capital projects at primary level.
I am pleased to advise Deputies that I am in ongoing discussions with my colleague, the Minister for Finance, to secure a four to five year funding envelope for the school building programme. I consider that this four to five year envelope will allow me give more certainty to schools on the timescale for their building projects.
I intend to continue the process of publishing changes to the school building programme on my Department's website. I consider that the publication of the programme is the best way to provide the maximum amount of information to managers, boards of management, principals, parents and students, and all other interested parties. It also shows that the programme is being operated in an open and transparent manner.