77 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Education and Science if he is satisfied that the Department gets value for money in relation to the cost of school buildings; if any comparable analysis on costs per square foot have been conducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12286/01]

My Department monitors the cost limits for school building projects on an ongoing basis, taking into account factors such as current conditions in the construction industry, published cost indices for labour and materials and movements in tender levels. Account is also taken of historical data on tender prices and changes arising from adjustments to school planning guidelines.