Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I give the Government credit for maintaining a strong capital programme, which is necessary in terms of jobs. From my involvement with architects and builders dealing with school buildings, I know it is now possible to build permanent buildings for less than the cost of prefabricated buildings. The time taken to obtain planning permission and for procurement is the same, but the construction period is a little longer for permanent buildings. Given the real value and skills that are now available from contractors and builders, the extent of employment that is possible, and the fact that they are such a necessary part of our infrastructure for the future, is it the intention of the Government to consider extending the capital injection into the schools building programme? If we compare the building of 20 km of motorway with the possibility of building all those school buildings, is it a question of juggling moneys in areas in which we can achieve greater employment and real value?

See this speech in context