Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 146: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether an expanded school building programme is necessary not only to alleviate the widespread inadequacy of schools but also to improve the overall economy by providing much needed employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38009/08]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 150: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason the schools' capital programme was cut from €586 million in 2008 to €581 million in 2009; if this is acceptable at a time when schools are increasingly dilapidated and at a time when he could ease unemployment through an increased school building programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38024/08]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 150 together.

Under the current National Development Plan, a total of almost €4.5bn has been allocated to the school building programme. This allocation was the result of discussions between officials in my Department and officials in the Department of Finance.

The allocation of €581m in 2009, although a slight reduction over the 2008 allocation, represents a significant investment in the school building and modernisation programme. As the Deputies will appreciate, the wider climate in which the 2009 Budget has been framed is very different to that of recent years. The Government has been faced with very difficult choices across all areas of public spending. This level of funding for the building programme, at a time of pressure on the Government finances, is a sign of the very real commitment of this Government to investing in the school infrastructure and will permit the continuation of progress in the overall improvement of school accommodation.

This investment will build on the achievements of the last National Development Plan 2000-2006, when an aggregate total of well over €2.6 billion was invested in upgrading the existing school infrastructure and providing new school accommodation at both first level and second level. This programme delivered over 7,800 building projects in addition to investment in site purchases, the annual minor works grant to all primary schools, dust, asbestos and radon remediation programmes, science and technology initiatives, emergency works and grants for the purchase of furniture and equipment.

Innovations in the delivery of school buildings such as the development of Generic Repeat Designs and the use of the Design and Build model ensure that new school buildings are delivered in the fastest timeframe possible. My Department also adopted a policy of devolving much greater authority to local school management boards to manage and deliver smaller building projects, thereby freeing my Department to concentrate on the larger scale projects.

The school building programme is primarily focused on meeting the demand for new school places across the state. 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.