Fianna Fáil Education spokesperson Thomas Byrne TD has hit out at the Education Minister over the lack of progress on the €500 million school building plan.

Minister Richard Bruton revealed plans to build 42 new schools over the next four years earlier this year.

Deputy Bryne said: "Minister Bruton made a €500 million promise but, with little detail, appears well on his way to breaking this promise already, only two months from the announcement."

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He continued to explain: "Minister Bruton announced a new school opening programme two months ago this weekend to much fanfare but little detail. He committed to delivering 42 new schools with some of these due to open in September of next year. I have been trying to get some further detail from Minister Bruton since his announcement to no avail.

"I specifically asked Minister Bruton in the Dáil to set out where these 42 new schools will be located. There are many parents around the country wondering whether their children will be able to attend one of these new schools. They are delaying making decisions on the future of their children's education while they await these details."

A total of 17 schools are planned to open next year, with a further nine promised in 2020. The remaining 16 schools will open in 2021 and 2022.

(CM/MH)