Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are all acutely aware of the substantial cost overrun associated with the national children's hospital. Unfortunately, it is not the only State contract awarded which has seen significant delays and cost overruns. Curraghmore national school in Mullingar is one such contract. The Minister visited the school in advance of the local elections.

It was promised to be opened in September of this year; it was not opened. It was promised to be opened in October; it was not opened. It was promised to be opened by Christmas and again it is failing to meet that deadline. I do not expect the Government to micromanage every State contract, but I expect that contractors who continually fail to meet their contractual obligations should not be permitted to get further State contracts. Will the Taoiseach ask the Minister for Education and Skills to revert to me with an exact timeframe for when the pupils and staff can expect to be in their new school in Curraghmore in Mullingar? Will the Government consider introducing legislation to ensure that contractors who continually fail to meet their targeted timeline and come in over budget will not be looked upon favourably for further State contracts?

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