Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

The former Minister for Education and Science announced projects under the school building and modernisation programme earlier this year and most of them are focused on rapidly developing areas. When the new Minister, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe took over he took time to brief himself. I expect further announcements to be made during the year as the financial situation is reviewed in the Department and as the Minister familiarises himself with all programmes and projects that have applied for funding. The funding has been made available to the Department and that is being further considered by the new Minister.