Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

The Department of Education and Science, however, would claim that historically when new estates were built there were four or five years for families to be established whereas nowadays many ready-made families are arriving from various places, including people returning to live here. That has put pressure on education in certain areas.

The policy announced by the Government has been endorsed by the social partners. That took a considerable amount of time during the year but it was worthwhile. The social partners will be involved in the housing forum, whose first meeting will be held shortly.

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