Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 411: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the amount now allocated by her Department for the construction of a new school (details supplied); the original estimated cost of building this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7811/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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It was planned that the building project for the school referred to by the Deputy would be authorised to proceed to construction during 2003 subject mainly to significant cost savings. The lowest tenderer was approached but was unable to stand over his original tender and increased his price. Accordingly, no cost savings would be achieved.

My Department's school building unit operates a devolved schools initiative which allows boards of management to address its own accommodation and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and minimum involvement from my Department. Discussions were held with the school management in 2004 and an offer was made of an all-in grant to address its accommodation problem. The management was not convinced at the time that the grant offer would meet the particular needs of the school. An official from my Department recently visited the school to discuss the issues again and make a further offer. Discussions are ongoing in the matter.