Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I have a question in respect of a matter of concern to people all over the country, namely, the capital programme. In 2008, some 300 schools were in planning and 1,000 in the pre-planning process. The school building programme for 2009 has been reduced by €30 million. The Government has scrapped the minor works programme for 2008 and 2009, while the summer works programme, which was abolished in 2008, was partly restored this year. There is a lack of transparency and effectiveness in the entire school building programme.

As has been pointed out on numerous occasions, 41,000 pupils are being taught in 2,253 prefabricated buildings in 900 schools nationwide. The Taoiseach and I have evidence - it has also been produced by Deputy Quinn on numerous occasions - that the cost of building with blocks and concrete using generic designs is now cheaper than the cost of providing prefabricated buildings. In Ratoath, County Meath, more than €1.08 million was spent on prefabs in 2008. This is disgraceful.

May I assume that the school building programme will not be axed in the review of the programme for Government given that we know better value is available because tenders are coming in 20% lower than previously? This will provide thousands of jobs as well as facilities for children for the next 50 years. If we are serious about being competitive when the upturn in the global economy takes place, we must have facilities which teachers, pupils and parents know are capable of meeting demands. This is a mechanical and structural position.

Will the Taoiseach assure me that in the review of the programme for Government he will conduct with his Government's partners, the Green Party, will not result in the school building programme being axed? Will the Government take some interest in pushing forward schools building projects which can now proceed given that increased value can be achieved through decreased costs, contractors are available and jobs can be created? Will the Taoiseach give me that guarantee?

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