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

The Taoiseach dealt with the question very well earlier. There are a couple of points worth making. If this was a traditional build the State would have spent its money and we would not have the same level of hold. The position with the PPP contract, as Deputy Howlin pointed out, is that until they get a licence agreement they do not get any money back for the substantial investment - at 90% complete - that they have made. That puts us in a strong position, and a stronger position than if it were a traditional build by a company which then went into liquidation. It is important to make that point.

On the wider issue of the capital programme, we have huge pressures. We are seeing growing pupil numbers at both primary and secondary level, and that means that we are running hard to keep pace. My Department is completing 20,000 places per year and keeping up with the demand. We will continue to work hard to realise those targets.

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