Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 October 2004
153 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if a recent study by the National Competitiveness Council which shows that Ireland ranks bottom of a list of 15 industrialised countries with regard to the proportion of GDP spent on education has been brought to her attention; her views on the study; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26105/04]
View answerThe recent report of the National Competitiveness Council makes a number of important observations and recommendations in relation to key elements of the education system in Ireland and will be carefully considered by my Department.
The strength of our education system has been a substantial contributor to our economic progress and development in the last ten years.
Investment in education in Ireland has increased substantially in real terms and accounted for 13% of total public expenditure in 2001. This increased investment has achieved falling pupil-teacher ratios over time as well as rising real expenditure per pupil.
The recent OECD publication, Education at a Glance (2004), has clearly shown that expenditure per primary and second level student in Ireland increased by 45% between 1995 and 2001. This was the fourth biggest increase of the 23 OECD countries for which data was available.
The challenge facing policy makers now is to ensure that our education system continues to make a substantial contribution to our social and economic development.
