Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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515. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the new building for a school (details supplied) will be completed; if the way in which State contracts are awarded will be reviewed in view of the delay; and if the project is within budget. [36900/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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As previously advised, the project to which the Deputy refers is devolved to Westmeath County Council (WCC) for delivery.

I remain extremely disappointment and frustrated that the most recent programme provided by the contractor indicates a completion date for the school in October 2019, and with the unsatisfactory position that the school now finds itself in as described by the Deputy.

I have already informed the Deputy that it is in the nature of any building contract that difficulties can arise and the project in question is no different in that respect.  Additional costs have arisen in this project in that context and some of these have already been paid out. However, there are also matters that are being addressed through the dispute resolution mechanisms set out in the Public Works Contract. Consequently, I am not in a position at this stage to comment any further at this time.

The Department is continually reviewing, within the constraints of EU procurement regulations, the way state contracts are awarded. The Department is also guided by the Capital Works Management Framework (under the remit of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform) which is under review at present.