Statement from Education Minister

“I had intended to make a statement to the Assembly this morning, updating members on the completion of the Capital Review. Unfortunately I was held up at another meeting and will instead update the Assembly on the completion of this work at the earliest opportunity. I would like to apologise to members for this delay.

People in the sector are obviously aware of the pressures the Education budget is currently under and the significant cuts we have had to suffer especially in the capital builds funds.

I would like to have seen another 10 or so of new builds to have proceeded on site before the end of the financial year. That is still possible if I receive the monies I have bid for in the June monitoring round.

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 £84 million 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.  All these schools have been identified as having serious accommodation issues and all of these projects need to be delivered.

I am committed to providing the best standard of accommodation for our young people.

In 2005/06 and in 2006/07 direct rule Ministers handed back capital funds of £62million and £94 million. 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 fully spent my capital budget. If we get the money we will therefore spend it.”

Notes to editors:

1. 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.