Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentations. It has been very useful and educational, in its truest sense, to listen to their various perspectives. I thank them for their time and patience. I do not wish to repeat the very valid points that have been made but a couple of key things strike me. Before I address them, I wish to commend in particular my colleagues from the trade union movement on the points they have made, several of which relate to the cost of schooling. I assure them that I will raise those points in the session tomorrow. They made some valid points, especially regarding the political choices which must be made.

On the green space issue, I suspect all members of the committee are genuinely surprised that design guidance is not prescriptive in terms of area for green space, particularly in light of ongoing commitments to the better health of children and others. That does not tie in with such commitments or make sense. I take on board Mr. Loftus's point on hard services. In my village of Castleconnell, a very progressive set-up has been established whereby an all-weather pitch is attached to the national school. I am surprised that the Department does not make more use of that type of thinking. I do not think it acceptable that in 2018 the Department is not being more prescriptive in regard to the need for green spaces. I hope that is something on which the committee will agree. That approach must change.

I am conscious that most of my questions are directed at Mr. Loftus.