I take it that the Deputy is referring to the recent letter from Senator O'Toole to the Comptroller and Auditor General proposing a Value for Money review of the Planning and Building Unit of my Department. My Department always extends full co-operation to the Comptroller and Auditor General and his staff, who regularly carry out reviews of aspects of the operation of the of the Planning and Building Unit.
As I indicated in the Seanad debate on the matter on 8th October 2008, I do not share Senator O'Toole's view of the Planning and Building Unit of my Department and I do not accept the basic thrust of his criticisms. My Department has made substantial progress in improving school infrastructure over the last several years and I intend that this will continue in the context of the funding available under the National Development Plan.