Dáil debates

Thursday, 28 January 2010

2:00 pm

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

Both Deputies have seen it. Obviously, it is a major step forward and in terms of forward planning it identifies very clearly for us where the demand will be and gives us an opportunity to ensure we have proper school structures in place to meet that demand.

Taking my capital programme for this year, despite all that was said last September about my not spending the money I received, the Deputies will find there was a 79% carry-over. I was allowed to carry over 10% of the overall budget and all the spending took place. There is a carry-over of projects to be completed this year. In the capital budget overall, I will have €789 million this year which is on a par with last year. If I continue to get the 30% extra value for money that will obviously increase the output in terms of the number of schools we can build. I am very anxious to progress matters.

In addition, I have asked my Department to speak with the various entities, whether architects or engineers, and go through the new contract process. There was a delay last year and the last thing we want is to have delays in projects arriving on site. A good number of these projects are coming on site in January and February but I want to ensure that when I make an announcement on the capital programme within the coming weeks people will go ahead with plans and we will be able to sustain jobs. We reckon that with the current programme we will sustain approximately 7,500 jobs in construction.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.