James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach and Senator Fitzpatrick for her raising of this very important issue around Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire. The Department of Education’s published national development plan allocation for 2023 is €860 million. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for 2023, the Department is assessing its work programme and priorities in the context of its available funding. It is also engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform in respect of capital funding pressures, in order to continue to be able to adequately support the operation of the school system with the roll-out of school building projects to tender and construction in 2023, and to minimise project delays to the greatest extent possible.

The Department of Education is very conscious of the need to support the operation of the school system and has provided clarity for individual schools about the school building projects. I am aware that Senator Fitzpatrick was absolutely determined to get this school building across the line but I know that the Ministers, Deputies Foley and Donohoe, are also committed to prioritising essential school projects, such as this particular one, Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire, for the Dublin inner city area.