Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 April 2004
92 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the way the multi-annual capital envelopes enabled his Department to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme; the method in which the envelope operates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10966/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that planning and implementation of a major capital programme such as the school building programme covers all stages of the development of a project. These range from the initial forward planning stage, through site acquisition, if required, the architectural planning and design phases leading to the final construction stage. In most projects it normally takes at least more than one financial year for a project to be progressed through these stages to the final point of construction.
Arising from the budgetary announcement an agreement exists between the Department of Finance and my Department in respect of the capital investment framework 2004 to 2008. This agreement identifies the level of funding available for the years 2004 to 2008 and thus allows my Department to plan and manage more efficiently and effectively the capital investment programme. While the detailed elements of the agreement are currently being finalised between the two Departments, the certainty which the capital investment framework brings to the building programme is a most welcome and appropriate development.
