John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am very grateful for that comprehensive response. While the Department of Education website gives schools an update as to where exactly they are in the planning process, it never explains on a spreadsheet why projects may have been paused or stalled. The Minister of State outlined that, among other things, there had been budgetary pressures arising from high construction costs, inflation in construction costs and the requirement to provide school places for the influx of refugees. I absolutely support and have no issue with such provision, but it is good for these school communities to understand that this has come with a cost and has had an impact on the provision of school places. The prevalence of special needs, the increased requirement to provide for children with special needs and capital pressures in the Department also come into play. That is really useful to know.

I am also heartened to hear that there is ongoing engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. The Minister for Education mentioned this at the meeting of the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party last night. My understanding is that progress on those kinds of discussions has been made and that a conclusion is imminent and may come around Easter. Perhaps the Minister of State could confirm that. I am very grateful that he will convey that message and the request to visit St. Aidan's to the Minister.

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