Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of his claims that capital school building projects can be re-tendered to get better value for money, the savings produced will be used to build additional schools which have been awaiting funds from the school building unit or if the savings will be reallocated elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7915/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The savings accruing from the projects that are being re-tendered under the new form of contracts for public capital projects to get better value for money will be used to fund other projects. As the Deputy will be aware, I have made a number of announcements in recent months regarding major projects to proceed to tender and ultimately construction. These announcements included 25 major projects in September 2009 and a further 53 projects in January and February of this year. The original allocation for school building in 2009 of €581m has recently been increased by €75m. This represents a significant investment in the school building and modernisation programme. It is my intention that the full allocation will be expended on school infrastructure this year.