Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018
245. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills his contingency plans for students impacted by the collapse of a company (details supplied); if this contingency plan will be cognisant of parent's wishes to educate their children in Irish in circumstances in which it is applicable; the date on which this plan will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12417/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dutch Infrastructure Fund (DIF), representing the PPP Company responsible for delivery of Schools Bundle 5, is implementing a rectification plan to secure service commencement on the five school buildings and one further education college as soon as possible. DIF has indicated that a number of contractors/service providers have now been invited to quote for finishing the works outstanding on the relevant buildings and for the provision of facilities management services over the 25-year life of the project. It expects to receive final bids from tenderers, with whom it has already had extensive engagement, by 5 April next.
Based on this, and the expected timeframe for the evaluation of tenders, and appointment and mobilisation of the new contractor/service providers, DIF is targeting all six buildings to be operational for the beginning of the coming school year, with the most advanced schools to be delivered earlier in the summer.
DIF has confirmed that, in conjuction with its lenders, it will deploy all necessary resources towards achieving these target dates.
In parallel, my Department has been engaging with the relevant school authorities in relation to contingency plans to mitigate against any issues arising from delays in the delivery of the new school buildings. The specific contingency arrangements will depend on the enrolment projections and additional accommodation options available for each school.
