Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

Can the Minister of State find out and inform me in writing the situation with regard to the devolved building programme scheme? Funding was made available through this scheme to local communities so that they could get involved in building their own schools. This scheme would work well in an area such as Killucan which is a developing area with significant numbers of new houses. This proactive community has found its own site so this scheme would work well for it.

I acknowledge that the Minister has met the Westmeath county manager to discuss the situation, which is a good idea. As chairman of the strategic planning committee, I had asked for a school needs assessment. We need this sort of joined-up thinking in each county.