Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

What is the position with regard to the capital programme for education, specifically schools? I understand between 15 and 17 capital projects due for commencement in primary and secondary schools have been held up. The projects are either to build new schools or refurbish and rebuild existing schools.

There are two in my constituency and I understand up to 15 others in other constituencies. The Minister for Education and Skills is, correctly, seeking a further capital allocation. However, I am very concerned the capital programme in education is going to fall apart before our eyes unless there is a rapid decision to provide additional funding so our children can be educated, given the new population and the demographics in my constituency. There is also a need for the ancient schools, some more than 100 years old and which have been more than ten years on the list, to be completely rebuilt.

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