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4.3 Deputy S.G. Luce of St. Martin of the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding the fast-tracking' of the construction of the new St. Martin 's Primary School:
Given that the construction of a new St. Martin's primary school has been authorised by this Assembly and that the project is not due for completion until autumn of 2014, would the Minister agree that this project would be ideal for fast-tracking, especially as the funds have already been voted and that the bringing forward of this project would provide a much needed impetus for the economy?
Senator P.F.C. Ozouf (The Minister for Treasury and Resources): May I ask that Assistant Minister Noel reply to this question?
Deputy E.J. Noel of St. Lawrence (Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources -
rapporteur):
In short, yes, we are fast-tracking this project. Last year the Minister said that he would look for a way to bring forward this project by phasing the work. I can now report that the project has been progressing well and a draft planning brief has been agreed. Property Holdings' architects are currently progressing the design and hope to submit a planning application early in the New Year.
- Deputy G.P. Southern of St. Helier :
Can the Assistant Minister guarantee to this House that when it comes to employment on this particular project it will be locally based?
Deputy E.J. Noel:
As with all, if not most, States projects along with the fiscal stimulus regime that we set up, there will be requirement on all the contractors and sub-contractors to have a significant element of local employees.
- Deputy G.P. Southern :
If I may just point out there is a vast difference between "significant number" and "all".
Deputy E.J. Noel:
I am not in a position to guarantee that every single person working on the site will have the relevant local qualification. That is an unrealistic request. We will use our best endeavours to make sure that the proportion is as high as possible.
- Connétable M.P.S. Le Troquer of St. Martin :
Would the Minister confirm that the media reports broadcast on 5th December, indicating that the existing school is to be demolished after the new school is built, is not the case and that the existing school be returned to the Parish of St. Martin ?
Deputy E.J. Noel:
I am very much pleased to confirm that. The intention has always been that the existing school be returned to the Parish because in fact they do indeed own it.
- Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier:
Could the Assistant Minister confirm whether or not this project will knock other projects off the list, or whether all E.S.C. (Education Sport and Culture) approved projects will be steaming ahead at equally full speed?
Deputy E.J. Noel:
That really is in the hands of this Assembly. Currently this particular project is funded for 2013; with the approval of this House we may be able to bring some of that funding forward into 2012 and that is the same for any other Education Sport and Culture projects. It is in the hands of this Assembly to allow us to bring capital monies that have already been voted for forward.
- Deputy C.F. Labey of Grouville :
Would the Assistant Minister not agree that if the old school is going to return to the Parish of St. Martin that this site could have been used for the new rectory that was spoken about that the previous Constable brought to this House that we had to rezone a green field for?
[10:00]
Deputy E.J. Noel:
That really is a matter entirely for the Parish of St. Martin . In the Island Plan I voted against that field being rezoned and I stand by that decision but really the Deputy of Grouville 's comments really should be addressed to the Parish of St. Martin .
- Deputy G.P. Southern :
Is the Assistant Minister aware of any specialist work required on this particular project that might justify the importation of non-local labour?
Deputy E.J. Noel:
The answer to that is at this time no I do not, but I cannot rule it out because I cannot confirm something that I do not have the knowledge to confirm. I am sure at some point there will be a number of workers on the site that have not been in the Island for the required 5 years. It is unrealistic to expect that every single person working on that site will have been here for at least 5 years.
- Senator F. du H. Le Gresley:
Could the Assistant Minister give this Assembly an assurance that the existing buildings will be kept wind and waterproof until such time as the new school is ready and open for business.
Deputy E.J. Noel:
We intend to keep those buildings fit for purpose until the new school is open.