Written answers
Thursday, 22 February 2024
Department of Education and Skills
School Accommodation
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
127. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on whether or not the application by a school (details supplied) has been approved, or when it will be approved in terms of additional accommodation, which is badly needed at this location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8407/24]
Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school in question.
The purpose of my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation. Where there is a need for accelerated delivery of such accommodation my Department utilises Modern Methods of Construction, including my Department's Modular Accommodation Framework, to meet the accommodation need. My Department has additionally put Project Management provision in place to support schools in the expedited delivery of this accommodation.
A Project Manager has been appointed to progress a proposed brief of accommodation for this school. My Department is currently engaging with the school in relation to contingency options which are required for the project to be delivered. My officials remain available to the school authorities in relation to this matter.
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
128. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the Department will provide the money for the contract work that was carried out at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8408/24]
Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The school referred to by the Deputy was approved the project under My Department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for reconfiguration works for the provision of SEN pending the delivery of Modular Accommodation.
This project was devolved to the school authority for delivery.
In Q3 2023, the school informed my Department that works were completed, however the necessary complete documentation, to facilitate the drawdown of the allocated grant aid has yet to be provided. In addition, the school have also requested payment for additional works outside of the approved grant aid without proper clarification of these costs.
My department officials have been in direct contact with the school authority to provide any necessary assistance and to request the correct paperwork and supplementary information for the additional costs incurred, to be submitted for review.Once the correct paperwork has been received, and reviewed the appropriate payment will be issued to the school, where applicable.
No comments