Vol. 574 No. 2
174 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the suggestion contained in the ESRI mid-term review of the national development plan that there should be a cut in capital investment for school buildings; his further views on whether such a suggestion would worsen an already very serious situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26492/03]
The ERSI mid-term review of the national development plan on investment in infrastructure in the education sector recommended that resources available for the period 2004 to 2006 be reduced below the amount of expenditure over the 2000 to 2002 period. The ERSI considered that the measure was important but noted that there was a need to justify a continuation of the rate of investment achieved in 2000 to 2002 in light of demographic change.
The Deputy will be aware that I have been in discussions with my colleague the Minister for Finance to secure a multi-annual capital envelope for educational infrastructure. In these discussions, I have articulated the rationale for a continuation of the programme of sustained capital investment in educational infrastructure begun in recent years. This rationale centres on the need to address the historical deficit situation as well as meeting emerging demands in rapidly developing areas and addressing the needs for diversity within the system.
