Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the importance of the provision of school places. As I mentioned, there has been a significant investment by the Department of Education, with more than €4.2 billion over the years since this Government came into office. A sum of €1.2 billion has been allocated this year for works at various stages of construction.

There is significant demand for places in areas where there has been exponential growth in housing. I acknowledge the co-operation we have received from schools on the ground. For example, a few days ago there was announcement of an additional 47 places being made available to accommodate first-year students in this area. More will be done when clearer numbers for the requirements are made available to us in the area the Deputy mentioned.

On the two schools the Deputy mentioned, it is a priority for the Department to deliver all projects in a timely and efficient manner and to meet the needs. Where we are not in a position to meet the needs immediately, we provide modular accommodation.

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