Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh an Aire go dtí an cruinniú seo inniu. Over 80% of the current allocation for the Department goes towards pay and superannuation, which highlights the challenges the Minister faces and the choices he must make in the context of those challenges. The Minister mentioned the apprenticeship programme, which needs special attention. It is important to the future of our economy that we have a working apprenticeship programme in place. Is the Minister satisfied that we have sufficient funds and infrastructure to tackle this matter and reach the targets he has set?

I note that 50 large-scale projects will be substantially completed by the end of the year. Is the Minister happy with the timescale involved in delivering these projects? It is a bugbear of some schools that the process takes so long from the moment it is accepted that a facility is required to the provision of that facility.

School transport is a big problem and is causing difficulties throughout the country. I understand the Minister of State, Deputy Halligan, is reviewing that matter. Are the problems associated with it due to lack of finance or what is the cause?

Since 2008, funding for third level education has been reduced by 85% while numbers have increased by 25%. The Minister mentioned the Cassells report, has he reached a conclusion on its recommendations? If so, can he share it with us? If not, will he advise the committee on his own recommendations in that regard?