Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

We had a similar scenario in my constituency with the same company where there was a school almost built. I am pleased to say that, similar to the Deputy's own, the school is built and the students are there. It is a fantastic complex for them.

We always need to look at how we can improve the structures that are there. There is certainly a level of expertise within our ETBs, but also within the Department. Our principals and boards of management also have a certain level of expertise, but their job is not to build projects.

My objective over the next number of years is to make sure we can provide as much support for our principals as possible, whether it is administrative support or easing the burden of some of the work they are now expected to do and that they perhaps would not have done in the past, while they are, at the same time, managing and, in our smaller schools, also teaching in some cases.

Where we can, we will increase the resources and supports available to our teachers. At the same time, we will make sure the resources and expertise of the Department, in particular the buildings unit, are made readily available to our schools when they are needed. As I said, this is not about back-slapping but it is important to stress that a huge amount of work is happening. Obviously, that is work done by the Department working hand in hand with many of the schools, principals and boards of management.

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