John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

Senators O'Toole, Ormonde and John Paul Phelan raised the matter of the billions of euro being earmarked for research and development under the new national programme. This is to be welcomed as a key component in ensuring the State can maintain its competitiveness internationally. It is an area that has been neglected in the past, even within the private sector, and funding has been inadequate by international standards.

I am not familiar with the details of the school to which Senator O'Toole referred. However, I am aware there has been enormous progress nationally in the provision of school buildings and sites. Perhaps it is a question of taking one's place in the queue and not trying to gazump——