Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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111. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of provisions in respect of school places, teachers and academic staff at primary, second and third level throughout the country; the extent to which potential deficiencies have been provided and are likely to be provided for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31995/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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In looking at how to meet competing demands across the education and training system within the resources available to my Department, I must take a targeted and balanced approach to directing investment. My aim is to progressively deliver on the ambitions and objectives of the Programme for Government, the Confidence and Supply Arrangement and the Action Plan for Education.

As part of Budget 2017, I secured additional investment of over €458 million for the education and training system. Among other things, this will facilitate the creation of over 2,500 additional posts in schools, including more classroom teachers, more resource teachers and more special needs assistants.  It has allowed for continued restoration of guidance posts in schools.  It provides support for school leadership. It supports the roll-out of the DEIS Plan 2017 to deliver equality of opportunity in schools.  It has allowed the first new Exchequer current investment in higher education since the beginning of the financial crisis. Some 20,000 school places will also be provided for through the Department's capital allocation of €690m.