Schools of Music.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 November 2004

Thursday, 25 November 2004

Ceisteanna (43)

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

43 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science when construction of the new building for the Cork School of Music will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30463/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The Government decided last July that my Department should finalise contractual negotiations with Jarvis Projects Limited with the view to commencing construction of the Cork School of Music as soon as practical.

However, the Government also stipulated that before the contact is signed the Department must first be satisfied of Jarvis's legal and financial position and that Jarvis are in a position to complete the contract.

The Department and its advisers are currently engaged with Jarvis to achieve these aims. A number of options are being examined and it is expected that a solution regarding the way forward should be clarified before the end of the year.