Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the decision by the Minister for Education and Skills to approve construction of a number of new schools throughout the country. My area is privileged to have two new building projects, both of which have been in the pipeline for more than ten years. I welcome the decision to allocate funding for these educational facilities. I also welcome the decision by the Minister on the programme announced this week to replace prefabs. Instead of renting prefabs, we will build permanent structures. A number of schools have other small issues. A group of 31 pupils from my old primary school visited Leinster House two weeks ago. I was astonished to find the school still has single glazed windows, which was the same as when I was there a long time ago. I call for a debate with the Minister on the re-introduction of a programme of remedial works. It would not cost a huge amount but such works are necessary. I call for it to be included in the education budget for this year if at all possible and certainly for next year.

It is interesting to hear the debate on pro-life and the protection of the unborn, but we must also need to debate the maternity facilities and services we have.