My department has a strong track record of delivery with over 1,400 completed school building projects, including large-scale projects, additional accommodation, and modular buildings delivered since 2020. The department also completed more than 4,000 smaller-scale school building improvements through emergency works and summer works schemes during this timeframe.
There are approximately 300 additional school building projects currently under construction.
My department relies on many stakeholders to support the scale of delivery and utilises many devolved delivery arrangements through a diversity of partners including devolved clients who are responsible for the payment of invoices of fees in accordance with conditions of engagement.
A structured payment process is in place, in line with my department's Design Team procedures and the conditions of engagement for consultants.
Where my department is made aware of any late payments, my officials endeavour to resolve promptly, by establishing the facts and dealing with the process in a proactive manner. In addition to this, my officials have met with the Consultants Professional bodies including the ACEI, RIAI and SCSI, covering the multi disciplines of a design team. The meeting held in December 2025 discussed payment terms, fees and processes etc. It was agreed that my department will engage with the Professional bodies every quarter going forward and also develop a series of presentations to assist in communication and additional training to strengthen coordination and payment processes. Since the meeting my officials have been contacted by individual companies to resolve any payment issues that may have arisen and will continue to engage with such companies to bring any relevant issues to a conclusion.
