The Minister for Education & Science has said his department needs to be realistic when trying to maintain services already in place.
Batt O'Keeffe was speaking in Co Monaghan as he announced details of 25 school buildings which are to proceed to tender and construction.
Mr O'Keefe said 2009 would be a difficult year and all Government departments had to look carefully at their spending programmes.
As he performed the official opening of St Teirnach's National School in Clones, he announced that a further 25 schools were to have building work commence either this year or in the New Year.
No definite costings for the projects are known but the Minister says funding is in place f or the 25 projects, which include primary, post primary and facilities for physical education and autism services in 13 counties.
Mr O'Keefe also said that he has cost saving measures which can be implemented within his department, and he said he hoped the Education Capital Programme in the year ahead would remain intact.
