Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 154: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the bureaucratic and costly requirements imposed on schools awaiting the summer works programme; and his plans to reform this system. [20786/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As the Deputy is aware all funding allocated under my Department's Devolved Schemes including the Summer Works Scheme to allow school management authorities carry out building or improvement works to their schools, must be offered to the market in accordance with EU and National procurement guidelines.

School management authorities must comply with all the requirements of Technical Guidance Documents TGD 007 and TGD 008 (Design Team Procedures for Small Works and Engaging Professional Consultants for Small Works respectively) which are available on my Department's website. Failure to do so may expose the school management authorities to challenge and subsequent financial penalties from a consultant or contractor who feels he/she was not afforded an opportunity to tender. Any such challenge could also result in the project being substantially delayed.

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.