In January, the collapse of Carillion exposed the Government's use of public private partnerships. That was in January. We are now in May, five months later. There is still real uncertainty for the five schools, one third level education facility and the users of those facilities as to what the future holds for them. The Minister said that there would be no delays in delivering these schools. One in my constituency, Coláiste Ráithín, is complete and ready for occupation. The only thing holding it back is red tape. We were told that we had to go through a new tendering process. We were supposed to have a decision on that on the 28th of last month. New contractors were due to be appointed.

We have got the question on Carillion.

New contractors were due to be appointed.

In the meantime, schools have been told to-----

I ask Deputy Brady to conclude. Other Members wish to contribute.

-----put contingency plans in place for September. What is the current status of the tendering process? Will schools have full access to their new buildings in time for September? When will contractors be on the ground to complete these schools and to stop the lock-out of these premises?

I assure Deputy Brady that the schools are being kept very closely abreast of what is happening in this regard.

No, they are not.

The Minister without interruption.

The position is that Carillion, one of the partners in this public private partnership, PPP, project has gone into liquidation.

We do not need a history lesson.

I ask Deputy Brady not to interrupt. Other Members wish to ask questions.

We need answers.

If Deputy Brady wants answers, he should not keep interrupting me while I am trying to provide them.

Hear, hear.

The Minister without interruption.

The Dutch Infrastructure Fund, DIF, which is now the sole responsible agent, has an obligation to complete these schools.

That is irrelevant.

It will not be paid a penny by the State until it completes those schools and hands them over. However, the decisions on approving a tender to complete the work on the schools is a matter for the DIF rather than the Department or the State. However, the Department and the National Development Finance Agency, NDFA, is keeping in very close contact with the DIF in order to ensure this is done as quickly as possible. However, the responsibility lies-----

Deputy Bruton is the Minister for Education and Skills.

------with the contracting party.

That is a ludicrous attitude.

The same answer has been given for the past six months.

Deputy Howlin knows that is the procedure.

Six months. It is a disgrace.