Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are, and have been, very clear and the investment shows it. There have been some first-class multidenominational schools built. I have opened one or two of them in the last two to three years. These are first class, state-of-the-art provision. It is likewise in Catholic voluntary schools, Church of Ireland schools, Gaelscoileanna, Gaelcholáistí and a variety of schools. Plurality of school provision and parental choice is where the Government policy sits.

We need to sweat our assets more. Where it is logical for divestment or where a school building is available, it should be used and enhanced. This makes value for money. That issue cannot always be the last item on the agenda. We should focus on it strongly as well.

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