Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I have just made a note to ask the Minister if we can get clarity on the 80 schools involved and if the school in question is included. I am sure there will be lots of competition to be in the 80, but this is the only Gaelscoil in the area. Of course, we know the demand for and the pressures to provide accommodation for children with additional needs. This is an inclusive school. Encompassing that in its plans puts its application head and shoulders above those from other schools in the context of the fact that it does so much for everybody within the local community.

Since 2020, the Department of Education and Youth has invested over €6 billion in schools throughout the country under the NDP, involving the completion of over 1,300 school projects. In addition, over 200 SEN repurposing projects have been delivered, maximising the use of existing accommodation while creating opportunities for inclusion and integration. I might add that said inclusion should include the Irish language as well.

Government support for this investment, including by way of supplementary capital funding, has delivered real benefits for school communities. Supplementary capital funding of €210 million, approved by the Government, has brought the total capital allocation for the Department of Education and Youth for this year to €1.6 billion.

All Departments are expected to publish their sectoral NDP implementation plans in November. The Department's plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity and progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money and meets functional needs.