asked the Minister for Education if she is aware that Government cutbacks in the education budget have resulted in a serious reduction in educational opportunity; if she will ensure that there are no further cutbacks this year and if she has any plans to improve the situation pertaining to remedial education.
Written Answers. - Education Cutbacks.
540.
There has not been a cutback in the total provision for the educational services in 1984. The estimates for the Education group of Votes show an increase of 8 per cent over the expenditure in 1983. Included in the 1984 budget is a sum of £7 million approximately for substantial increases in the capitation grant for national schools, the grant in lieu of tuition fees for secondary schools, a scheme of aid for the disadvantaged and an accelerated national school building programme. My Programme for Action 1984-87 gives details of my plans relating to remedial education.