Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 1640: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a cost benefit analysis has been carried out in terms of funding allocations being provided for new buildings; his views on whether an accelerated school building and extension programme and energy efficient refurbishment programme would be beneficial, in view of the fact that it would stimulate the construction sector; if no such analysis has been carried out if he will commence such a study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31089/08]

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 1767: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the constraints being placed on his Department by the Department of Finance in terms of much needed funding for school building projects; if he is satisfied with these constraints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31079/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1640 and 1767 together.

Almost €4.5bn has been allocated to the school building programme under the current National Development Plan. This allocation was the result of discussions and analysis between officials in my Department and officials in the Department of Finance.

The school building programme is primarily focussed on meeting the demand for new school places across the state and the issue of energy efficiency is addressed at the design stage for all new buildings. Value for money is a key criterion in the implementation of the school building programme and competitive tendering, in line with public procurement procedures, ensures that this is achieved. As I have indicated publicly, the current decline in activity in the construction industry is an opportunity for my Department to continue to pursue value for money in the procurement and construction of school buildings. Issues relating to the acceleration of the school building programme must have regard to current financial circumstances and cannot be considered in isolation.