John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

422. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if successful contractors supplying furniture and equipment under the school bundle 5 contract will have their contracts honoured in view of the fact that they would have already purchased equipment and furniture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16070/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In the case of all school building projects, it is a matter for sub-contractors and suppliers to agree terms and conditions and a schedule of payments with the main contractor as their direct employer or customer.

In the context of the Schools Bundle 5 PPP Project, Sammon Construction Ireland Ltd (SCIL) was subcontracted by Carillion Construction Ltd to undertake the school construction and fit-out. SCIL, in turn, entered contractual arrangements with suppliers of furniture and equipment.

Contractual/payment issues arising under these and any other sub-contracts are for the relevant contracting parties to resolve. The Department of Education and Skills is not party to these contracts and does not have any authority to intervene.

SCIL is now subject to the direction of a court appointed examiner.