Written answers

Tuesday, 22 September 2009

Department of Education and Science

Departmental Expenditure

9:00 pm

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 378: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the amount of capital expenditure on schools and other buildings envisaged as vital to maintain the ongoing basic operation of the education system at primary, secondary and third level; if he will provide a copy of his Department's commissioned OECD report on the infrastructural deficits in the education system; and if the estimated cost of replacing one building at a third level college (details supplied) in Dublin 4 is €455 million. [32441/09]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, there is an ongoing need for capital investment in educational infrastructure in all sectors due to anticipated demographic increases which will lead to increasing enrolments and participation levels. There will also be a continuing requirement to upgrade existing accommodation in our schools and third-level institutions. The extent of capital expenditure in the education area, as in all other areas, has to take account of overall priorities. However, in recent years, investment in educational infrastructure has been given priority by this Government.

The 2009 capital allocation available to my Department amounts to €813.8m. The capital allocation for subsequent years will be determined as part of the estimates processes and having regard to competing demands and priorities. Within the schools' sector the 2009 capital allocation amounts to €614m which is just €30m less than the 2008 outturn in the sector. This lower amount is sufficient to deliver the capital programme in 2009 due to the reductions emerging on tender prices for large scale projects, the positive impact of the 2008 rapid delivery programme of new schools in developing areas and the slow-down in the number of new applications for additional accommodation in existing schools.

In the higher education sector, the 2009 allocation amounts to almost €200m all of which is expected to be fully expended by the end of the year. The 2009 allocation is an increase of some €45m relative to the level of direct Exchequer capital expended in 2008 in this sector. Additionally it is the also the case that lower tenders are delivering better value for money on large scale projects.

The HEA is currently in discussions with the College to which the Deputy refers to clarify the most recent budget estimations for the project in question. I will arrange to forward a copy of the OECD report to the Deputy.

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