Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will give an overview of the additional places. In 2012 just over 3,000 additional places were provided. In 2013 it moved up to 8,000 and for last year it was over 15,000. Therefore, we are steadily increasing the number of schools we are building and places we are providing - that is through new builds. The same is true when it comes to replacing other schools.

I agree we could always use more money. Some 80% of the money is now pre-empted by investment in new capacity. We will be approaching the mid-term capital review that is being conducted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with a view to making the case that this is a very high priority area for investment. I am sure other colleagues will be making cases in respect of their capital programmes.

There are numerous sources for the delays, which are frustrating. There have been planning and design delays. There are numerous areas where the system can run into delays. We are spending every penny that is assigned and we are building even more places every year. Last year between the two it was over 20,000 places. We expect something similar this year and that will continue to be the pattern for the coming years.

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