Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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211. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps that can be taken in the future to avoid the situations such as the collapse of a company (details supplied) in the UK with particular reference to its effect on various school building projects here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2970/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The Schools Bundle 5 Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme was delayed due to the liquidation of Carillion Construction Ltd in January 2018 and the examinership and subsequent liquidation of Carillion’s sub-contractor, Sammon Contracting Ireland Ltd (SCIL).

As the Deputy will be aware, the factors which contributed to the collapse of Carillion have been the subject of extensive review and inquiry in the UK, including a report prepared by the UK parliament, which was published in May 2018.  This report examined a number of different issues, which included Carillion's business approach and corporate governance, and also proposed a number of conclusions, lessons and recommendations.

My Department is in the process of undertaking our own lessons learned exercise which will look at a number of different issues relating to Schools Bundle 5, including financial robustness reviews, contract structures, impacts on sub-contractors, and construction monitoring.  Once construction is completed on the remaining three schools in the Schools Bundle 5 programme, we will be in a position to finalise this lessons learned report.