Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes. We secured a commitment to provide additional money in each of those years. As many as 85 projects will go through this year, and 340 projects have been completed which provides an additional 125,000 places. That proves we are executing a programme but of course we could do more. We would bring forward investment in physical education, prefabs and so on if more money was available. In terms of the Estimates each year, we have won more money and we are using that money effectively.

I acknowledge, as the Deputy has mentioned, that site costs and building costs are rising. That situation puts pressure on all budgets so we must cut our cloth according to the measure.

In terms of the resources that we receive, we must prioritise each year. I think we are using our money as effectively as we can. We have experimented very significantly with new methods of building to get more efficiency. We have used the Office of Public Works, OPW, the National Development Finance Agency, NDFA, rapid build and the educational training boards, ETBs. We have used a range of sources to ensure that our building programmes are executed effectively. The Department is innovative in its approach.

I am conscious that we can make valuable investments. On a positive note, over the next ten years as much as €8.5 billion will be spent on the schools investment programme. That is a very significant financial commitment.