I propose to take Questions Nos. 96, 100 and 131 together.
The Schools Bundle 5 Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme comprises five school buildings and one further education college across four sites in Bray, Wexford, Carlow and Kells. This programme has been affected by the liquidations referred to by the Deputy. It is recognised that these liquidations came as a particular blow to their employees and sub-contractors.
Like other major construction projects, school building projects involve a complex arrangement of contractual relationships between the client, the main contractor and various sub-contractors and suppliers. In general, all sub-contractors and suppliers engaged on education sector building projects are employed directly by the main contractor, or indirectly by the main contractor through other sub-contractors. The Department of Education and Skills does not have visibility of the detail of the relationship between the companies referred to by the Deputy and its sub-contractors. Additionally, as the Department is not party to these contractual arrangements and does not have any role or authority in relation to payment or other contractual issues arising, we do not propose to meet with the sub-contractors involved.
The Deputy will be aware that arrangements are being put in place for the appointment of a replacement contractor, Woodvale to, inter alia, facilitate the completion of three of the schools in the programme by the end of August. While it will be a matter for Woodvale to determine its supply chain and the sub-contractors who will form part of that chain, it is likely that Woodvale will make enquiries of the existing supply chain in its assessment.