Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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On the review and reform of senior cycle, I am absolutely committed to delivering on that. A focus is being placed on the leaving certificate, which is hugely important, but, as I said, our breadth of vision is wider than that. We are looking at all aspects of senior cycle. We are looking at transition year, leaving certificate applied, the leaving certificate vocational programme LCVP, and the leaving certificate established. I make it abundantly clear that the Department of Education is committed to delivering the reform that is necessary and ensuring we have a system that best meets the needs of children and young people in our care.

I appreciate Deputy Farrell's positive remarks on recent developments in Swords. As I said, we have a significant breadth of vision and a significant budget to support our building programme. Investment of €4.4 billion has been provided for 2021 to 2025 as part of a five-year rolling plan. For this year alone, there is an envelope of €792 million. This will ensure that 250 school accommodation projects that are currently on site will be completed this year. Over the course of the five-year plan, an average of between 150 and 200 buildings will be provided each year. We are very conscious of the need for planning ahead.

Deputy Farrell was correct to refer to having the widest possible consultation on the ground. It is important that the local authorities and patrons are part of our discussions so that we are ahead when it comes to planning for the whole issue of school building provision for our students and staff.