In a statement to the Assembly, NI Education Minister, 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.

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"My Department has a net capital budget for 2010-11 of £169million, which is over £84million lower in real terms than 2009-10."

She continued: "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."

(NS/BMcC)