Following a number of representations I have made to the Department of Education I am delighted to announce that I have recieved confirmation from the Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan, that two schools in North Tipperary have been approved for funding to extend their classroom space. Drom N.S, Templemore have been approved for a project to build an additional mainstream classroom, while Scoil Ailbhe N.S have been given grant aid to convert a room in the school.

This is an intense National Financial Crisis. Labour and Fine Gael are certain to be in Government, possibly before the end of January. It is therefore imperative, in the national interest, that Fine Gael and Labour consult thoroughly with the Minister for Finance and that they reach agreement with the Government on both the budgetary parameters and the main specific budgetary measures.

 For Fine Gael and Labour to simply shy back from reality and refuse to engage now with the Government and reach agreement on a budget would be a complete abdication of their imminent responsibilities. It would demonstrate a greater appetite for political advantage than a readiness to exercise responsible leadership.

 It is time for Fine Gael and Labour to show that they are ready to take power, that they can exercise responsible leadership.

 Time for Labour in particular to step up to the plate, to abandon populist rhetoric-After all they have not put forward any reasonable or realistic budgetary proposals-just empty criticism and rhetoric.

 Dire financial realities facing the State mean that a Budget must be passed. Every serious commentator agrees that Ireland simply cannot afford not to pass a budget in early December. Therefore it would be an astonishing political failure on the part of Labour and Fine Gael if for political advantage, they do not join with Minister Lenihan in seeking to agree on the broad measures to be contained in this vital budget.

 It would also send the worst of signals to Europe and the ECB if the “Government in waiting” demonstrated an inability to agree on the urgently necessary measure.

I am delighted to confirm that the Minister for Education & Skills, Mary Coughlan has today given the green light for new accommodation and classrooms for schools in the constituency.

 Three schools in the constituency, Moycarkey N.S., Kilruane N.S. and Scoil Iosef Naofa in Corville, Roscrea have been approved for new developments. Moycarkey and Kilruane have been approved for additional accommodation while Scoil Iosef Naofa is to be granted funding for a new mainstream classroom. The schools will be contacted by the Building Unit of the Department of Education shortly in relation to the amount of funding approved.

 This is a hugely welcome addition for the separate parishes.

I am delighted to see funding continue for such worthwhile projects in North Tipperary. By funding our schools we are providing for the future. I will continue to put pressure on the Department of Education and Science with a view to ensuring all children in North Tipperary are educated in the best possible facilities.

Yesterday was a hugely successful day for the Tipperary Venue project. I am pleased to be centrally involved in promoting and advancing this project. This is a unique, exciting and ambitious project especially when set against a background of economic crisis. This project is a beacon of light, an infusion of hope.

The decision of North Tipperary County Council to grant full planning permission is to be welcomed. This planning application was the biggest ever planning proposal submitted in Tipperary. An indication of the scale, size and diversity of the application is evident from the fact that the planning levy attached to this decision accumulated to over €4 million. The application was the subject of extensive consultation and was thoroughly and critically assessed by the planning authority and the decision took this into account.

The project which is the brain child of Richard Quirke has to date been funded by him. He is committed finically to bringing on stream the next phase of development. The next phase involves the putting in place of infrastructure, the laying of water, sewage, drainage and telecommunications at an estimated cost of €30 million. All going well with planning this phase is expected to commence in four months time, unless an objector brings an appeal against the decision of North Tipperary County Council to An Bord Pleanála. The development will create 1000 jobs over a three year period of construction and when fully functional and operational will create up to 2000 jobs.

Yesterday’s decision was a great day for Tipperary. This is a flagship project for the region. It has the ability to transform the local and regional economy.