Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 656: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of prefabs being rented for the use of schools in Limerick City and county; the cost of these prefabs in the past year; the projected cost for 2009; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15113/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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According to my Department's records there are currently 62 prefabricated buildings being rented by schools in Limerick City and County at a cost of €673,405. A single prefabricated unit can often be made up of more than one classroom and include some ancillary accommodation. Following an analysis of costs by my Department, it is now the policy to purchase rather than rent temporary accommodation where the need is likely to last for more than three years. This will reduce the incidence of long- term rental of prefabricated classrooms.

Separately, my Department has commenced a review of this area and has engaged a firm of Chartered Quantity Surveyors to develop new procedures and systems for the provision of temporary accommodation with a view to achieving best value for money. This firm of specialists has commenced its work in conjunction with the Planning and Building Unit of my Department. The review will involve new contractual terms to incorporate buy-out and relocation options to cater for individual local circumstances. The review will also involve an assessment of all existing rental contracts between schools and suppliers with a view to identifying action to reduce overall rental costs for the Department. The projected rental costs for prefabs for schools in Limerick City and County cannot be projected until my Department considers and implements the recommendations of this review.

In the meantime, where the Department has given approval to a school to rent temporary accommodation, the school authorities must seek competitive quotes from suppliers. This will allow schools to take advantage of the best value available in the current market.