Liam Fitzgerald (Fianna Fail)

I realise the truth hurts and memories can fade but I will jog the Senators' memories on that. The Minister and the Minister of State will have 1,500 projects under way this year ranging from very small works to new roofs, windows, large extensions and new schools. They will seek further funding next year and the year after and, given their record, I have no doubt they will succeed in securing it.

A related area is the day to day funding allocated to schools, which is important for the day to day and week to week operation of schools. The Minister and Minister of State secured the largest ever increase in the capitation grant of €18 per pupil.