Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising it. He raised the priorities 7 to 10. It is my intention that those would be reached in time. If a scheme is announced for all the categories, I would not start a new scheme until we had given priorities under all the different headings a chance to participate. We need a better planning approach. The really positive thing in the national development plan is that we are now setting aside €2.5 billion for deep refurbishment and retrofitting of schools. This will be a very significant commitment of capital for the longer term to strengthen the fibre of our schools. Perhaps it has not been remarked upon but it is a very significant part of the ten year plan.