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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 1

Written Answers. - Departmental Estimates.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

131 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the priorities of his Department for the coming years in the context of the Estimates for 2004; if his attention has been drawn to the huge interest in these matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27936/03]

In announcing the 2004 Estimates for education last week, I outlined the key features of my spending proposals for 2004 as follows: an additional €23 million for the primary school building programme; the allocation of €25 million as the first instalment on a €140 million capital investment by the Government to ensure that cycle 3 of the programme for research at third level, PRTLI, progresses rapidly; improvements in capitation payments for primary and postprimary schools – an additional €10 per pupil at primary and an additional €8 at post-primary with a supplementary €4 per pupil for voluntary secondary schools as part of equalising funding in the sector; continued targeting and prioritisation of disadvantage and special needs; funding for the special education council which will be established on a statutory basis under the upcoming Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill; €115 million extra being provided for residential institutions redress; €325 million for benchmarking and Sustaining Progress; €90 million for improved payments to temporary teachers and part-time workers; an increase of €80 in the student registration fee; and an increase of €10 in standard examination fees for the junior certificate and leaving certificate examinations.

I am conscious of the huge public interest in education matters. The Government regards education as a strategic priority and the overall increase of 12% in the education Estimates compared with the general Government increase of 5% is a clear demonstration of the Government's specific recognition of that priority.
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