Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister, Deputy Foley, fully understands and appreciate the concerns raised about the roll-out of school building projects. The Minister can assure the Deputy that the Department is very conscious of the need to support the operation of the school system and intends to provide clarity for individual schools about their school building projects as quickly as possible. In that regard, the Minister and the Department are very appreciative of the ongoing engagement with colleagues in the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. There is a collective piece.

It is also important to say that, over the past three years, the Government has invested €2.6 billion in school buildings. This is a record level of investment that has helped to add capacity and to modernise existing accommodation in schools throughout the country. I have no doubt the Minister is listening to Deputy McHugh's contribution this morning. I nearly feel compelled to list into the record all of the schools in my area, but I will not because there is such pressure. I have discussed this with the Minister and I will bring back the Deputy's contribution.

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