Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 February 2007
345 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason schools seeking to apply for funding from dormant accounts have to initially spend much needed funding in preparing their application, that is architects' fees and so on, that is not refundable if their application is not successful for summer works scheme allocations (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4381/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Consultant's report is necessary for the Schemes to which the Deputy refers:
For a professional diagnosis of the full nature and extent of the proposed project.
To verify the absolute necessity of the project.
To provide a range of cost effective solutions.
To enable the prioritisation of projects on the basis of professional objective information.
Furthermore, the Consultant used must be suitably qualified for the job for which he or she is being retained and have adequate Professional Indemnity Insurance so that a school can have come back in the event of any difficulty arising on foot of technical advice given.
Fees are not refundable for unsuccessful applicants under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) because, in the governing Circular Letter the Department makes it clear that, commensurate with the level of funding available, only demonstrably necessary projects which command the highest priority rating will be approved to proceed. It is also made clear that any reasonable fees incurred are included in the overall allocation for successful applicants only. Under the Scheme, schools are asked to self assess their own projects and satisfy themselves that they are willing to proceed knowing that they will have to meet the Consultant's costs if their application is not successful.
The school to which the Deputy refers was unsuccessful under the SWS because it was involved in amalgamation discussions. As a matter of policy, the Department will not incur heavy expenditure on a building if there is any question of it being vacated.
