Colm Burke (Fine Gael)

The success of the breaking the cycle programme has been proven by the number of students who have progressed to second and third level. Let us look at the positive aspects of the education system.

My colleague, Senator Leyden raised the issue of the schools building programme. Could savings be made in this area? It appears to take forever to take a project from start to finish. Surely in this day and age we should be able to set out a start time and a finish time based on the accepted length of time involved in building an extension or a new school. This is an area where money could be saved. Administrative costs appear to be significant and ought to be examined.

Overall, however, the Minister made the correct decision in the interests of the children of this country and that should be welcomed.