Vol. 504 No. 7
100 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the criticism from the ASTI that while the number of students in second level education has tripled, the expenditure per student remains amongst the lowest in the EU; and his views on whether this criticism is justified; and his proposals, if any, he has in this regard. [11572/99]
I am fully aware of the demands for increased funding by second level schools. International comparisons are a valuable input to the debate on the optimum allocation of our national resources to the greatest benefit of our people. However, the ASTI survey, which dates from 1997, does not reflect the real improvements made during the last two year.-, both in respect of current and capital allocations for second-level schools. Since 1997, the funding provided for second level was increased by 8 per cent and 9 per cent in 1998 and 1999, respectively. It is my intention to improve further the funding of second-level schools to the extent that the availability of resources permits.
