Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to confirm the Department of Education has a very ambitious programme of delivery for our schools. Right throughout Covid, our school buildings continued to be built. Last year, a significant number of buildings - 180 new buildings - were provided for. This year, there are 300 projects on hand to be completed by the end of 2023 or early 2024.

We have to concede that the Department, like wider society, has been affected by the war in Ukraine, which has impacted the cost of materials. Within the Department of Education, we have provided capacity for more than 15,000 students from Ukraine, which is having its own impact, but with schools positively wanting to do that and graciously doing so. We have also accelerated the delivery of SEN. All of this is important work.

We are 100% committed to the delivery of the schools that the Deputy has referenced.

There is an issue around capital funding. We are in a positive engagement with the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Deputy Donohoe, and his Department on that funding being released as quickly and as soon as possible.

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