Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Question 217: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [15262/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department seeking funding to provide additional accommodation. The application is currently being assessed and my Department will convey a decision on the application to the school authority as soon as the process has been completed.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 218: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for a resource room by a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15264/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The school to which the Deputy refers was approved funding in December 2010 to construct a resource room. The school subsequently submitted a revised proposal. This is currently being considered and the school authorities will be notified of the outcome in due course.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 220: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason he has issued instructions that the employment of an architect is necessary for building projects in excess of the value of €200,000 when, in many instances, boards of management have the support and assistance of other professionals involved in the construction sector such as engineers and quantity surveyors; if he will have the circular withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15308/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The circular the Deputy is referring to is "Technical Guidance Document 008 (Engaging Professional Consultants for Small Works)" which is available on my Department's website. The document is one of a large suite of guidance documents published by my Department. This particular document is provided to assist school authorities with the engagement of consultants and to ensure that any consultants employed are competent and qualified in the appropriate disciplines to carry out the works that they are appointed to do. This document also provides for the appointment of other consultants depending on the nature of the works to be grant aided. As these guidelines provide a balanced approach by allowing access for smaller firms while also ensuring that appropriate consultants are engaged for small works I do not propose to make any changes.