Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:11 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science if he is in a position to proceed with the construction of a new Cork School of Music; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5244/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 19 February 2004
Ceisteanna (11)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, affordability and difficulties under EU rules surrounding the treatment of public private partnerships in Government accounting had adversely effected the Cork School of Music project. The Government is committed to addressing the country's infrastructural deficiencies and PPPs are seen as a significant means of advancing the programme to tackle these deficiencies. In light of the decision announced by EUROSTAT last week to amend the guidelines on the treatment of PPPs in Government accounts, the Government has begun to look again at projects that had been delayed as a result of these difficulties.
On a recent visit to Cork, the Taoiseach re-affirmed the Government's commitment to finding a solution to the accommodation problems at the Cork School of Music, CSM. My Department, in consultation with the Department of Finance, is now reviewing the CSM project, taking into account the new EUROSTAT guidelines and I hope that a decision on the project can be made in the very near future.