Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy has a point, which is the reason the Government did look afresh. The Deputy is correct, in that there is a predilection to look at the traditional projects. While roads, hospitals and schools fall into that category, they are needed. For example, the next project I wish to advance before the end of the year on the road side will be the N17-N18 in the west. That is an important regional link to a part of the country that needs infrastructural investment. However, the Deputy is correct and the Government must examine other types of projects, whether they are in energy or in retrofit generally. There also is a strong argument to look for capital investment in education outside the normal school focus. I certainly am open to any suggestions in that regard, as well as to suggestions from the other side of the House in that regard.

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