Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 22 January 2014

Committee on Education and Social Protection: Select Sub-Committee on Education and Skills

Estimates for Public Services 2014
Vote 26 - Department of Education and Skills (Revised)

3:00 pm

Photo of Derek KeatingDerek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the Minister, the Minister of State and their officials. I have in mind two aspects of the capital programme. The Minister has made significant progress in the investment in school extensions and new schools given the legacy he inherited. I refer to the number of schools in my constituency with a significant number of prefabs. I recall the Minister saying it was his priority to ensure that every child would have a safe, warm and suitable environment. I ask for an update on the progress as some schools in my constituency remain to be upgraded.

I refer to the issue of Gaelscoileanna. Lucan is one of the fastest developing communities in Ireland and there are significant demands on the primary education system. I have noticed in recent times there has been an increase in the desire for education through Irish. The two Gaelscoileanna in Lucan cannot meet the demand.