“We are effectively doing it on behalf of the wider government in Northern Ireland”

More problems with the public procurement process [Or just the same ones? – Ed]. This time it’s with the Department of Education’s major capital works framework which reportedly “aimed to deliver almost 70 new schools in four years.” [Aren’t there too many schools already – Ed] That was in 2006. A recent High Court ruling scrapping the £500million plus programme has left the Department with a reported £2.4million bill, but that is likely to rise as the Department Minister intends to appeal the ruling in the Autumn. And if that fails they, apparently, intend to take it to the European Courts. Not, really, the best timing.. From the iol report

Last March Education Minister Caitriona Ruane unveiled the major capital works framework, which aimed to deliver almost 70 new schools in four years. However, a recent High Court ruling scrapped the £500m (€561m) plus programme and the Department intends to appeal. That is expected to be heard in the autumn but if it is unsuccessful the Department will consider going to Europe. [deputy secretary John McGrath] added: “We are effectively doing it on behalf of the wider government in Northern Ireland, that is the principle around frameworks that we want to pursue. “It may well have to be pursued ultimately to Europe.” He added: “We are hoping the (wider Executive) system would give us some assistance with the cost.”

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