Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 2: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the steps he intends to take to deal with the crisis in primary school accommodation in view of the findings of his Department that around 2,300 additional classrooms will be required over the next five years and the disclosure that around 40,000 pupils are being taught in prefabs; if his Department will consider the introduction of an emergency building programme to provide new classrooms and upgrade existing accommodation, using the surplus capacity now available in the construction sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26106/08]

Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 4: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that have applications before his Department under the school building and modernisation programme; when he will make an announcement in connection with the next phase of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26390/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 4 together.

Due to demographic increases in the general population, my Department is planning for a minimum increase in primary school enrolments of some 58,000 pupils over the next five years. This increase will require the building of about 2,300 classrooms nationwide during this time. These extra classrooms will be provided through a combination of brand new schools in developing areas and extensions to existing schools.

A total of 1,548 schools have applied to my Department for major capital projects under the school building and modernisation programme. The projects in question vary greatly in size and priority and include renovations to existing schools, extensions and applications for new schools. While many of these applications will require capital investment, not all are of a sufficiently high priority to warrant the expenditure of substantial capital.

As I have indicated in the House and elsewhere, I am currently in the process of reviewing my Department's school building and modernisation programme with my officials. I do not propose to make any further announcements on the school building programme until that review has been completed. However, it should be noted that the current school building programme is a major programme, involving an investment of almost €600 million in school buildings. This includes the completion of construction work during the course of 2008 on 67 large-scale building projects, the opening of 26 new school buildings in rapidly developing areas, and the progression of 374 devolved projects under the permanent accommodation and small schools schemes.

This level of activity under the school building programme builds on the significant achievements under the last national development plan when over 7,800 building projects were delivered to provide new and modernised educational infrastructure.

As I have outlined, the current schools building programme is delivering a record number of new schools and extensions. In response to growing demand for school accommodation in rapidly developing areas, a dedicated developing areas unit has been established within my Department's planning and building unit. This unit is focused on planning solutions for the accommodation needs identified in these areas. In addition, my Department has a programme of public private partnerships, PPPs, for the construction of new schools and I am currently examining the suitability of additional projects for inclusion in the PPP programme.

While the capital funding available to my Department has increased significantly over the years, I accept that there is also a very significant level of demand from schools and that it will not always be possible to respond to this demand as rapidly as I would wish. While there may be surplus capacity in the construction industry at present, my Department has to operate within the overall financial parameters set out in the national development plan. Nevertheless, the financial resources being made available for school building under the current national development plan and the prudent allocation of these resources will see continued improvements in the quantity and quality of the accommodation available in Irish schools.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Having been recently appointed to his post, is the Minister surprised that the Department has been totally taken by surprise by demographic figures that were boasted about by his Government colleagues when speaking of the growth in the labour force? Was there no joined-up thinking between the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Central Statistics Office, CSO, and the Minister's Department, which, ironically, is called the Department of Education and Science? Surely it was recognised that an increase in the labour force would mean an increase in the children of those extra workers knocking on school doors. What effective action has been taken to deal with this massive managerial deficit in the Department?

Is the Minister confirming for the House the statement made during the debate on the Estimates? It was said that just under €600 million would be invested in the schools building programme. This would mean the completion of work on the 67 large projects, the opening of 26 schools, although the Minister's predecessor announced 27, and the completion of work on over 150 devolved projects. Are these projects to go ahead in this calendar year or has the Minister frozen financial commitments contained in the figures he quoted and further decisions on the release of moneys as a result of the review that will not be completed until September?

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I was asked whether the Department anticipated this and I am in the best possible position because I was previously the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with responsibility for housing, urban renewal and developing areas. During my time in that post I arranged full contact with the Department of Education and Science because local authorities would influence the availability of sites and so on. A developing areas team was established at that time within the Department of Education and Science. Meetings between the Departments are ongoing and there is much integration and understanding. Before I left the housing office, we arrived at a situation where local authority city and county managers were prepared to anticipate demand and purchase sites on behalf of the Department of Education and Science. There is evidence of this all over Dublin. The level of co-operation I received from city and county managers was outstanding and there was much joined-up thinking and joined-up action between the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Education and Science.

I was asked whether the difficulties that were to arise were not anticipated within the Department of Education and Science. There was not a lack of anticipation but migration patterns tend to favour certain locations and approaching April to June of 2007 there was an indication that there would be serious issues with regard to finding places in developing regions of the greater Dublin area. This was handled extremely well, with the co-operation of local authorities and others, to ensure that by the end of September all the people were accommodated.

Regarding the programme, Deputy Quinn will understand that the previous Minister announced around 54 projects. Some 24 of these were allowed to go to construction phase. My arrival at the Department coincided with a change in economic circumstances and, as a result, I had to review Departmental spending. I am well into the review at this point, although until Cabinet takes a collective decision I will not know for sure what finances are available for the remainder of the year. I am confident that I can produce a construction programme in the latter part of 2008 but I cannot outline the extent of it this afternoon. By September I will be in a strong position to outline what can and cannot be achieved.

Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister referred to the 54 projects announced by his predecessor last February and said 24 have gone ahead.

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I think it was actually 26 projects.

Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Where stand the remainder? They are obviously in limbo. The standard reply we get to parliamentary questions is "however, in the light of current competing demands on the capital budget for the Department, it is not possible to give any indicative timescale for the progression of this project". The previous Minister for Education and Science said in February that a further list would be announced after Easter but, obviously, that time has passed and no announcement has been made. Should we expect, therefore, that the Minister will indicate a timescale for the remainder of the 54 that were originally announced in February in addition to those that should have been announced at Easter?

Does the Minister have a timescale for the completion of the review that is taking place in the Department? Will he announce the outcome of this review? The Minister says there is now an indicative group established in the Department for these projects. I know of a particular case in which no capital expenditure demand is placed on the Department and in which a programme is being put in place, under a PPP scheme, with the Department. The physical building, completed to the standards required of the Department of Education and Science and fully fitted, is being provided on the site for the Minister and the Department to consider without any capital demand. It will be leased back to the Department for a period to be agreed at the Minister's discretion. Surely this is an opportunity for the Minister because there is a dire need for projects to proceed urgently. The Minister cannot turn his back on such a proposal if there is any understanding in the Department.

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There were about five questions there. When I came into the Department, I had to examine spending within the terms of the budget. I indicated clearly that, given the downturn in revenue, it would take me some time——

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

To sort out the mess in the Department.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

They spent all the money.

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

——to examine what could and could not be achieved. I confirmed to Deputy Quinn this afternoon that I have made much progress regarding what has been spent and what we will be capable of in September. I must wait to see what the Government decision is on overall spending for the rest of 2008 before I can make a complete decision on what can and cannot go ahead. I have indicated this afternoon that I believe I will be in a position to make some announcements in September on a building programme for the latter part of 2008 and into 2009.

At a time when our finances have taken a downturn it is important that we be as innovative as possible. I want to make it clear to the Opposition and everyone else that if people have innovative ideas, I will listen to them.

Regarding Deputy Burke's point, we must always remember that the Secretary General of the Department will always be answerable to the Comptroller and Auditor General. In taking on board any particular scheme, one has to have regard to the borrowing power of the Department — the level at which it can borrow. It is obvious that no charge can be more than the long-term cost of the borrowing to the Department. We will have to have a serious look at how competitive is the offer mentioned by the Deputy. It is obvious that if it is competitive, we will be happy to take it on board.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Do I take it from the Minister's reply that the Revised Estimate his predecessor announced in this House on 24 April last no longer stands, in effect? Is it the case that the commitment to 67 large-scale projects in the primary sector, 26 new schools and 150 other works no longer stands? The Minister has put all projects which have not yet started on-site under review. He intends to make a decision in September on the projects which have been put on hold. He will communicate that decision to those involved at that stage. He is taking four months of capital spending out of the Estimate, in effect. I am sure it will be the end of September by the time the outcome of the review is communicated to the people in question. At that stage, there will be less than two calendar months remaining in the year in which cheques can be cashed.

Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is right.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Is it not the case that a massive cutback, in real terms, is being dressed up as a review? The reality is that there will be less than seven weeks left in which money can flow on to a building site or into the pockets of building workers.

Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Can the Minister give a definitive answer in respect of the many schools to which specific promises and guarantees were issued? On 15 May 2007, a guarantee was given to Kinvara secondary school that everything would be up and running within 12 months. A deadline applies in that case. The Sisters have given some leeway to the Department and the board of management so that the school can enjoy a continuous intake. Some 15 months have passed since the guarantee was given, but the project is still not finished.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have given the Deputy a good innings.

Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I remind the Minister that €35 million was spent on prefabs last year.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We are well over time on this question.

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy Quinn was regarded as a prudent Minister for Finance. He always operated within the resources that were available to him. I would like to think I can be a similarly prudent Minister for Education and Science.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Frugal.

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I will examine what is in my bursary before I dispense it properly. I am conscious of the commitments that were made and I want to meet them as best I can. I have indicated that I hope to make an announcement in early September to specify those projects which can proceed to construction. I will do that in early September. I understand that school authorities are waiting on projects which have gone to tender. They want to start work on them.

Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The school has a guarantee.

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I appreciate that. I cannot answer questions about specific schools.

Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am concerned about the principle of withdrawing a guarantee that was made in May of last year.

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

This year's massive allocation of €600 million for the school sector represents an increase of €44 million on the allocation for 2007. We will complete many more school extensions this year than we did over recent years. It will be a record high. We will be happy to——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We must move on to Question No. 3.