Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her response. I am sure she will agree it is regrettable that elected representatives have to raise such issues on the floor of the Dáil. It should be the case that these projects would proceed in accordance with the plans and expectations set out for parents and teachers. I was previously informed that part of the reason for the delay is the rising cost of building materials and inflation in the building sector and because prioritisation is being given to other capital projects in the Department. It has been indicated that lot 6, which includes ten building projects, is the lot that has been delayed. I am not sure of the detail of what other projects are in lot 6 but it is of concern to me that four school building projects in my constituency appear to have been delayed.

5 o’clock

The Minister of State is aware, coming from a neighbouring constituency, of the urgency and demands for educational facilities for schools in the area. I am not trying to say that in comparison with other parts of the country, but there are severe pressures on the education system in terms of secondary schools in the area I represent. I welcome the Minister of State's indication that she thinks the delay is going to be short and has indicated it will be a matter of weeks as opposed to months. I urge her however to ensure the people making this decision within the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform fully recognise there probably is no long-term or even short-term benefit to this delay. We all know work will commence and the schools will be built. I do not understand the reason for this short-term delay. Is it for the purpose of trying to ensure the capital budget for 2023 is not exceeded? If that is the case, it should be stated. We must ensure it gets up and running to the tender process as quickly as possible and certainly no later than quarter 1 of next year.

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