Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 February 2010
340 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will publish the recent report of consultants employed by his Department to report on the provision of prefabs or temporary accommodation for schools in view of his commitment on 28 January 2010 during Question Time in Dáil Éireann; when this report will be made available to Members of Dáil Éireann; and the cost associated with this work. [5937/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has engaged a specialist firm to develop new procedures and systems for the provision of temporary accommodation with a view to achieving best value for money. Work is well under way and the firm of specialists is working closely with officials in the Planning and Building Unit of my Department.
The focus of this review is the development and adoption of practical measures and policies to achieve best value for money in the area of temporary accommodation in schools. Reports are being produced on individual schools with recommendations on the buy-out of certain prefab rental contracts. While there is a degree of commercial sensitivity attached to these reports it is my intention to make these available once the process has been completed. The firm of specialists are also preparing a set of standardised specifications for prefabricated accommodation and a suitable generic contract for the rental of prefabricated accommodation. I also intend making these available.
My officials will continue to evaluate the progress and outcomes of the review. Fees associated with this work are in the region of €340,000, a portion of which has been paid in 2009.
