Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I do not tend to criticise the Department's building unit that much, other than the fact it does not have enough money. Would it be worthwhile for the Minister to commission a short, focused review of school projects to ensure the State is getting best value for money? I do not know if any external person has looked at this issue such as, for example, the Comptroller and Auditor General. I presume, although I am not certain, that it would be within his remit. In my constituency, I think of schools like Lismullen national school, Dunboyne senior and junior national schools, St. Peter's, Dunboyne, and the new school proposed for Dunshaughlin.

A large number of projects need funding in order to be built. My worry is that there is not enough in the capital budget and the Minister has acknowledged that there is construction and land cost inflation, with more regulations also adding to the cost. As I am worried that these projects will be left on the back burner, I take the opportunity to remind the Minister of the crucial importance of such projects. There are similar projects throughout the country.

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