Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree that this is a very positive move, and I welcome the fact schools will be eligible for the programme and it will be fully funded for them. Much work is being done in this regard and it is the absolute intention to roll it out as quickly as possible. Obviously, this is not within the gift of just my Department, but we are working constructively to ensure it will be delivered as quickly as possible.

I acknowledge the Deputy's reference to the deep energy retrofit programme, a significant and successful programme on which tens of millions of euro have been spent by the Department. We have seen the benefit in very many schools throughout the country and it is our ambition to grow that initiative. Much of the leadership and impetus for climate action and sustainability is coming from young people in our schools. There is a strong body of work in this area and we are continuing to move at pace.

See this speech in context