Funding a major stumbling block to rebuilding schools - Ruane
Tuesday, 29 June 2010In a statement to the Assembly, Caitríona Ruane, indicated that her review of capital projects was complete.
The Minister said: “The capital review was commissioned to ensure that the investment in the education estate is consistent and supportive of the DE policy Framework. We need to build the right type of schools, in the right place and they should be the right size to deal with current and future demand.”
The Minister indicated that she was now content that the schools considered to be in line with Departmental policy were all well placed to continue to deliver high quality, sustainable education for children and young people.
The Minister said: “Today I have written to each of the schools involved informing them of the outcome of the review. I want to build all of these schools, but the rate at which I can do this is determined by the level of resources allocated to me by the Executive for school buildings. If these additional funds are not allocated to DE for capital build projects then I fear that a delay on commencing these schools for some months is inevitable. We simply cannot build schools without the money.
“My Department has a net capital budget for 2010-11 of £169million, which is over £84million lower in real terms than 2009-10.
“I desperately want to build new schools. I currently have around 70 projects that are announced for major capital works funding and a further 100 potential projects at various stages of Feasibility Study and Economic Appraisal as part of the 10 year Investment Strategy commencing from 2008. All these schools have been identified as having serious accommodation issues and all of these projects need to be delivered.
“In 2005/06 and in 2006/07 direct rule Ministers handed back capital funds of £62million and £94million. In contrast we have a proven track record of spending, since 2007, 39 new schools representing an investment of £253 million, have been completed. In the last 2 years I have spent 99.9% and 99.3% respectively of my capital budget. If we get the money we will therefore spend it.”
Notes to Editors:
1. The Capital Review was commissioned in Autumn 2009 and is now complete. All schools in the Investment Delivery Plan have been considered against the Sustainable Schools Criteria which are:-
- Quality Educational Experience
- Stable Enrolment Trends
- Sound Financial position
- Strong Leadership and Management by Boards of Governors and Principals
- Accessibility
- Strong links with the community
2. The Capital Review indicated 3 categories of schools:-
- Fully compliant with DE policies
- Partially compliant with DE Policies
- Not compliant
3. All schools will be advised of the outcome of the Review.
4. The Terms of Reference for the Review are as follows:-
Review of Capital Projects on the Investment Delivery Plan
Context: A review of capital projects is to be undertaken to validate that all are consistent with the policy framework and hence will be viable and sustainable in the long term.
Vision: All young people should have access to high quality educational provision that meets their needs and allows them to reach their full potential.
Aims: The aims of the Capital Project Review are:-
- To ensure capital investment in the education estate is consistent with and supportive of the current DE policy framework, including Every School a Good School, Revised Curriculum, Entitlement Framework Sustainable Schools, and Irish Medium Review.
- To ensure VFM through support for viable and sustainable provision.
Objective: To consider all schemes using the Sustainable Schools Policy criteria as a proxy for DE’s policy framework - the criteria are as follows:-
- Quality Educational Experience
- Stable Enrolment Trends
- Sound Financial Position
- Leadership and Management
- Accessibility
- Strong Links to the Community
Particular emphasis should be given to a school’s ability to meet the requirements of the Every School a Good School Policy and, in the case of post primary schools, ability to deliver the Entitlement Framework by 2013. The information used should be verifiable and robust.
Outcomes: The outcome of the review will be a list of capital projects that:-
- meet the Sustainable Schools criteria;
- require additional information to enable DE to determine if the project meets the Sustainable Schools criteria; or
- do not meet the Sustainable Schools Criteria.
5. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 02891279207. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.
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