Written answers

Tuesday, 28 June 2022

Department of Education and Skills

Schools Building Projects

Photo of Jennifer WhitmoreJennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

627. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the additional temporary school building will be available for use by a school (details supplied);; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34357/22]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department can confirm that the assigned certifier for the school to which the Deputy refers is to upload the documentation for BCAR (Building Control Amendment Regulations) by close of business on 28th June, 2022.  The anticipated BCAR “validation” (21-day process) is expected by 19th July, 2022, however this may happen earlier.  Once this is finalised, the school will then be handed over for occupation.

Photo of Jennifer WhitmoreJennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

628. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the past performance of construction companies will be taken into account as part of the tender process for new school builds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34358/22]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Procurement approach for the delivery of all school building projects is set out in guidance and procedures published by my Department’s Planning and Building Unit.   

In general, for Public Works contracts there are two methods of tendering (the Restricted procedure and the Open procedure).

In the case of tenders for the appointment of main building contractors for less complex school building projects of a small to medium scale, the Open procedure can be used and all contractors are entitled to submit a tender but must meet the minimum standards as set out in the invitation to tender (thus facilitating the inclusion of small to medium enterprises and those with no experience in educational projects). These contracts are generally awarded on the basis of lowest tender.

For larger or more complex school building projects, where it is considered that pre-qualification of contractors is warranted, the Restricted procedure is normally used. In the Restricted procedure, there is an intermediary qualification stage during which the numbers of applicants is reduced (or restricted) to a specified amount (normally 8 - 10).  The pre-qualification process uses a combination of pass/fail criteria and qualitative criteria to establish the tender short-list including previous projects of a similar scale and nature that have been delivered by the Contractor. 

Photo of James LawlessJames Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

629. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the outcome of the options study for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34419/22]

Photo of James LawlessJames Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

630. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a school (details supplied) will be placed on her Department’s school building projects and capital projects list; if appropriate interim accommodation will be provided for the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34424/22]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 629 and 630 together.

As the Deputy is aware, it is intended that the permanent accommodation needs of the school to which he refers will be met in a former school building which is in the ownership of the school patron.  In order to ensure that optimal use is made of this property, and in support of the achievement of Value for Money, the patron of the school appointed a consultant to undertake an Options Study of the property concerned.

The Options Study report has been received in my Department from the patron Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB) and is currently being assessed. It is my Department's intention to contact KWETB regarding the matter in the near future.

Photo of Cathal CroweCathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

631. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the recent additional special education accommodation approvals at a school (details supplied); the reason that officials from her Department have delayed the development of additional accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34476/22]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Earlier this year my Department increased the level of accommodation for pupils with special educational needs that was previously approved for the school in question. This required a new application for planning permission. Pending the provision of this accommodation, which includes four classrooms, arrangements are in train to provide further interim accommodation for pupils with special educational needs at the school for the 2022/2023 school year.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.