Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 524: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the steps he proposes to take to facilitate and assist boards of management to renegotiate the rental cost of prefab accommodation with the contractors and providers of such accommodation having regard to the downturn in the economy and the correction in the private rental market across the commercial, residential and retail sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9711/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides grant aid towards the provision of temporary school accommodation to the management authorities of education providers where it is established that a need for such temporary accommodation exists. Generally, where schools require temporary accommodation, the Board of Management is responsible for acquiring such temporary accommodation and the rental contract is between the Board of Management and the supplying contractor.

A review of rental policy is ongoing which will, inter alia, cover an examination of the contract terms to incorporate buy out, buy back, rental costs and relocation options if local circumstances require it. The review will involve an investigation of all existing rental contracts between schools and suppliers with a view to identifying action to reduce overall rental costs for the Department.

In the meantime, schools proposing to rent temporary accommodation must seek competitive quotes from suppliers which should allow them to take advantage of changing market prices.