Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 436: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the process by which furniture for new and existing schools is purchased by his Department; if furniture is purchased in bulk; if furniture is sourced here or elsewhere; the tendering process attached to related contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16134/09]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 437: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if quality control procedures are adopted by his Department to ensure new furniture or school supplies purchased for new or existing schools meet appropriate health and safety standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16135/09]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 438: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the amount of his Department's budget in 2007 and 2008 spent on acquiring new furniture or supplies for new and existing schools; the company or companies engaged in supplying such materials to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16136/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 436 to 438, inclusive, together.

Generally, the purchase of furniture and equipment for new and existing schools is devolved to the individual school authorities, subject to approval from my Department. It is a requirement of grant aid that public procurement procedures are strictly adhered to. National procurement procedures apply when the estimated total cost of furnishing and/or equipping an entire facility that is under construction is less than €162,293 in the case of a community or a comprehensive school or €249,681 in the case of a secondary school or VEC managed school or college. EU public procurement procedures apply when the total estimated cost exceeds these limits. School authorities must seek competitive quotes from suppliers.

Where the provision of furniture at schools is being grant-aided in whole or in part by the Department, the specifications are based on standards set by the National Standard Authority of Ireland or equivalent. There are two main elements to be considered in relation to the design of school furniture, namely ergonomics and robustness. The parameters in relation to ergonomic design and performance requirements and tests for chairs in schools are laid down in the Irish Standard for Education Furniture. Copies of these Standards may be obtained from the NSAI.

Schools should be satisfied before placing an order that the items tendered are of an acceptable quality and finish. Health and safety is in the first instance a matter for each Board of Management and this includes ensuring that school furniture complies with the appropriate standards.

In addition to major projects my Department processed over 2000 and 1650 applications for replacement, additional and special needs furniture and equipment in 2007 and 2008 respectively. Contracts for the provision of furniture and equipment are between the schools and the suppliers and my Department does not have a list of these companies.

Details of expenditure in 2007 and 2008 are included in the following tabular statement.