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Departmental Expenditure.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 November 2004

Thursday, 25 November 2004

Questions (50)

Mary Upton

Question:

50 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has satisfied herself that the overall increase in spending in education announced in the Book of Estimates in 2005 is sufficient to meet the capital and current funding shortfall in education; the areas in which the increased spending will be utilised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30505/04]

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Written answers

On the day of the publication of the Estimates I announced that the current spending increases for my Department will rise by 9% next year to a total of €6.625 billion. I also indicated that the overall capital position would be clarified on budget day.

The increased funding will allow me to make significant advances in many key areas: Tackling of educational disadvantage: an additional €47.6 million is being provided to alleviate disadvantage, bringing the total allocation to €462 million for 2005. This will allow for targeting measures from pre-school through the school system to third level, second chance education and adult literacy and numeracy; and special education provision: an increase of €67 million will raise the 2005 allocation to €628 million. The increased amount will fund provision of teachers and special needs assistants for special needs pupils, special school transport and the expanded provision for the national council for special education; support for schools and teachers: a capitation grant increase of 10% for primary level representing an increase of €12 per pupil. Post-primary will increase by €16 for all schools while the voluntary sector will get an additional €10 per child. Library grants have increased by 35%. Teachers' pay provision is also provided for in the Estimates. The in-career budget for professional development of teachers is up 15% to a record €22.8 million. A sum of €0.8 million is also provided for the start up of the teaching council, while the NCCA budget is up 38% for 2005.

Promoting the knowledge society and economy is also a feature of the Estimates. The higher education and research sector is up 8%. Third level research is up 35% to €68.5 million. The universities grant is up €40 million to €670 million and the institute of technology grant is up €32 million to €478 million. The provision for youth services is up 18% to almost €34 million.

This range of measures and level of financial provision demonstrates the Government's unequivocal commitment to education as a key priority service and I am satisfied that it will allow me to make significant advances in the key priority areas outlined, promoting inclusion, supporting our schools and teachers and building the knowledge society and economy.

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