Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to outline to the House the main features of my Department's Estimates for 2006, obviously just focusing on the current spending because my capital has yet to be confirmed in the budget.

Education has done extremely well in the Estimates. With an increase of 9% being provided for next year, way ahead of inflation, day-to-day spending will next year be €7.2 billion, €570 million more than this year. This is clear evidence of how much the Government believes in education, not just as a key driver of our economic prosperity, but as a vital tool for improving people's lives. We believe in providing the right opportunities at every level to enable each child to reach his or her full potential.

We want to ensure all children get the best possible start in primary school, that they have access to a modern and broad curriculum at second level that is enhanced by a positive school environment and a well-motivated and supported teaching force, and that they have a chance to pursue the education or training option after school that is best for them, whether they want to be doctors, youth workers, scientists, mechanics, artists or whatever they want to do.

We know that making this a reality requires huge commitment and investment on our part and we will not be found wanting. The increased funding for education next year will enable progress at every level to ensure that our education system continues to deliver for our children and for our economy. As with this year, there will also be an extra focus on tackling disadvantage and on improving supports for children with special needs. First, there will be an emphasis on ensuring the best and positive learning environment in all of our schools, with a focus on smaller classes at primary level and on measures to improve student behaviour at second level.

The Government has shown an unprecedented commitment to improving the staffing levels in our schools, at primary level in particular. We have put more than 5,000 extra primary teachers in our schools in recent years and have targeted these at pupils with special needs and pupils from disadvantaged areas to ensure they get the extra help they need to reach their potential. We have also brought the average class size down to 24.

Our record in providing extra staff for our schools is an area where we have shown real action but we are determined to go even further. I am proud to tell the House today that my Department's Estimates for 2006 include funding to provide even smaller classes in our primary schools in the next school year.

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