Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Treacy, for sharing time. I wish to discuss a number of issues on the Estimates, namely, education and agriculture. The Estimate for the Department of Education and Science has increased to €7.2 billion for the first time. This is to be spent on projects throughout the country and in the next two years 500 extra teachers will be employed in primary schools to tackle disadvantage and reduce class size. Class size will be significantly reduced in the coming years, a welcome measure. Reports on disadvantage have shown that money on primary schools is well spent and I welcome the initiative by the Minister to allocate additional teachers.

The provision of schools and classroom extensions are to the forefront of every public representative in any elected body. Politicians are often brought to meetings to discuss such issues. I compliment the Department on the devolved grants, following the pilot scheme that allowed smaller schools to apply for such a grant and spend it in the best way possible.

The pilot scheme of 2003 involved 20 schools and a value for money audit for this scheme would show it to be superior to the old scheme. Local boards of management have achieved considerable value for money. One such project was opened in my home village of Kiskeam. The board of management is also able to raise further funding to complete extra work if it sees fit. The most important issue is the value for money achieved and I compliment the Government on this. This scheme is being rolled out for other, larger schools and this is a welcome development.

I refer to the Vote of the Department of Agriculture and Food. I compliment the Government on the 10% increase in the Vote. Funding for the rural environment protection scheme, REPS, increased from €271 million in 2005 to €323 million this year. This scheme has had a major impact on the visual environment throughout rural Ireland. This is a fantastic scheme, on which I compliment the Government and the Minister.

The farm waste management schemes have been increased and further moneys have been invested. This is very welcome. I also welcome the Minister's initiative to extend the availability of the farm waste management schemes to a wider variety of farmers and increase the grant allocation in certain instances. This is vital, particularly in light of the nitrates directive which is coming on stream from Europe. It is excellent to see the schemes being expanded.

I welcome the increase of €6.9 million for the compensation allowances paid to farmers in certain disadvantaged areas and I commend the Book of Estimates to the House.

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