Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

We fully recognise that Portlaoise is quite extraordinary and unique in the scale and rapidity with which the population has increased. There are procedures in place and we have brought forward our procedures six weeks ahead of the projected time. There are difficulties with the management and the Department, and the Deputy is better placed to find out about those on the ground. Certainly, pre-contract and tendering procedures are required before one can sign off on the contractor. I am speaking in general terms because I do not have the full details on this. A contractor who has been identified as a prospective contractor for the project will have to deliver documentation to confirm that he or the company - it is usually a he but not always - is in a position to proceed and would have the necessary bond information and documentation. That is difficult at present, given the financial situation. I have encountered a number of cases where bonds have been procured and offered but they have not been satisfactory. That might be one of the issues.

However, if the Deputy can contact the school and find out what the difficulty is, he should make direct contact with my office and find out if we can accelerate it. This school is necessary and the construction industry and unemployed construction workers need more work. There is no benefit, interest or political motive on our part in this not proceeding. The provision is in place. I welcome the Deputy raising the matter and if he can come back to me with the information, we will accelerate it.

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