Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

Several schools were announced but funding was not available. This time I had adequate funds. I made sure that the commitments entered into would be honoured, the schools were announced and the reaction was very good. I do not accept what the Deputy says about cynicism. The process in the Department will be open, above board and decisions will be made on merit and need. In 2009 the most important element was the stage the schools had reached. Many people are disappointed. I met many deputations from around the country. I make it my business to visit schools to meet deputations and to hear what people have to say. Many schools are disappointed. I am sorry about that. I wish I could have delivered more.

This year I had two things in mind on the question of delivery, that the building could go to construction and that I would deliver jobs in a sector that was badly affected by the downturn. We are confident that in the education sector we will create and sustain 4,000 jobs within the construction industry. That is no mean achievement. We will deliver a record number of school places to ensure that a good environment is created for pupils.

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