Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 257: To ask the Minister for Education and Science how many of the 78 projects announced as commencing construction in 2009 which have completed the tendering process; the number which will begin construction in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39500/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The position with regard to the 78 projects which I announced in late 2008 and early 2009 is as follows: 7 projects have reached practical completion stage, 15 projects are under construction, 31 projects are at various stages of the tendering process and 25 projects are at pre-tender stage. Of the 31 projects currently at various stages of the tendering process it is difficult to give a definitive statement as to the number of these projects which will commence on site in 2009. Delays can occur in getting clarifications on tenders, with contractors securing the necessary documentation (insurances, bond, tax clearance etc.) needed before a contract can be placed and the period of time between when a contract is awarded and when a contractor physically starts on site. Any project that does not commence in 2009 will commence in 2010, subject to all relevant matters being in order.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 258: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the cost incurred to date by schools which were required to have additional documentation prepared or existing documentation amended to comply with the new form of public contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39501/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Additional design team fees have been and are being incurred due to the change to the new form of public contract and these will be funded by my Department. As these additional fees are currently being negotiated with the relevant consultants on a case by case basis, I am not in a position to provide the Deputy with the amounts already agreed due to the commercial sensitivity of these negotiations. The additional fees relate primarily to the re-working of sections of the bill of quantities, specifications etc. It is anticipated that these fees will be modest in comparison to the overall fees for the projects in question. It should be noted that the post-contract design team fees on these projects will reduce substantially in line with current reduced tender levels.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 259: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the status of the funding application for an extension to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6W; when a decision on funding will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39516/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction is dependent on the prioritisation of competing demands on the funding available under the Department's capital budget. The proposed building project will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme for 2010 and subsequent years. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the delivery of the project at this time.