Flynn slams Hayes for his negativity on the €579 million School Building Programme

Fianna Fail TD and member of the Oireachtas Committee on Education Beverly Flynn has accused Brian Hayes of being at “his most negative and cynical yet” in his criticisms today of the School Building Programme, details of which were announced by the Minister for Education and Science Batt O’Keeffe TD this afternoon.

“Deputy Hayes has proven he really is the king of soundbytes, finding only the negative in what is a hugely positive day for our education sector and the economy. We must remember that this is not just a school building programme, this is also a major stimulus package for the economy creating an estimated 5,300 jobs in the construction industry.”

“Today’s announcement that €579 million will be invested in the school building programme in 2010 is a hugely positive development in light of the severe pressure on exchequer finances. Given the considerable reduction in tender prices over the past year we will still be able to carry out a similar sized programme of large and small scale building projects in primary and post-primary schools this year.”

“This year, 52 school building projects will go tender and construction, creating more than 23,500 school places in 20 new schools and 32 extended and refurbished schools. Of these new schools, seven will be in areas that have been identified as rapidly developing areas.”

“Deputy Hayes comments today show his desire to hog the limelight rather than giving today’s announcement the attention it deserves. In 1997 just €92 million was allocated to the school building programme, today we are investing €579 million in the modernisation of our schools. This represents a very serious investment and commitment to our education sector,” concluded Beverley Flynn TD.