Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 397: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed new Cork School of Music; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14836/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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On the 3 December 2004 Jarvis, which was appointed preferred bidder for the Cork School of Music PPP project, announced that it had reached an agreement with Hochtief Developments UK Limited to purchase the PPP bidding arm of its business. Following the announcement, various issues surrounding the purchase were being completed and a revised proposal and documentation in connection with the project were received on 19 January 2005. As Hochtief has now replaced Jarvis as a member of the bidding consortium, it must satisfy the Department that had it applied under the terms of the original PPP advertised in 2000, it would have been one of the consortia that pre-qualified for the project. The new documentation is being examined by my Department's specialist advisers to the project who are also undertaking full financial and legal due diligence to ensure that the proposal meets all EU procurement guidelines. Part of the due diligence process included contact with the relevant section of the European Commission for clarification and advice on the procurement issue. Subject to all the necessary financial and legal issues being in order, it will then be possible to commence formal contract negotiations with Hochtief Developments. It is expected that these negotiations will commence shortly.