John Ellis (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

As I said at the outset, we are debating a Book of Estimates that shows an enormous improvement in the funding being provided under the various heads. The Department of Education and Science Vote, for example, indicates a 30% increase under the special education subhead. There is a perception that those with special educational needs have been neglected for years. This increase will be of major benefit to such persons.

Some €730 million is allocated under the Department of Education and Science Vote to tackle disadvantage, an increase of 15% over the 2006 allocation. We could not have dreamed some years ago that we would be able to increase expenditure by 15% in any area. The Minister for Finance and his Department are to be complimented on the way in which the economy has been run for the last several years. It is this management that has ensured the funds are available to improve the education system. I hope the proposals in regard to school buildings will be sufficient to ensure that many of the projects for which Members have pressed will be brought to fruition in the coming year.

The Department of Transport Vote represents a phenomenal increase of 58% on the 2006 allocation. More than €1.5 billion will be provided for national roads development, €45 million for coastguard and marine safety, €10 million for the Road Safety Authority and €9 million for the rural transport initiative. Improved transport services have been of enormous benefit in rural areas and I am pleased that such provision is being established as a fully fledged programme. I hope to see the continued expansion of the Rural Lift schemes and other schemes which seek to assist those who are marginalised because of difficulties with public transport availability.

Expenditure on rural roads is phenomenal and we can see the improvements it is making throughout the State. Areas that were seen only recently as peripheral are now considered within easy reach of Dublin and other cities. The development of the M4 motorway, in particular, has been of great benefit to the north and north west.

The provision of €14 billion for social welfare services is an enormous amount and is similar to the allocation for the health service. I hope that both expenditures will lead to further improvements in the carer's allowance and other benefits for those who provide long-term care and attention to the ill and aged. I have encouraged the Minister for Finance to consider what may be done to make it more attractive for people to look after elderly or invalid relatives at home rather than putting them in institutional care. I hope further such supports will be put in place by the Ministers for Social and Family Affairs and Health and Children.

We have seen the significant benefits arising from the improvements in pension rates in recent years. I hope there will be similar increases for those who are marginalised and less well off.

I welcome the significant increase in the allocation for sport. Some will argue as to why money should be spent on sports funding. Those who have become involved in sport have benefitted in later life, particularly regarding their long-term health. This expenditure is to be welcomed. Grants available to local clubs under the sports capital programme should be allocated to smaller communities. It is harder for a small GAA club in the west to raise funds than it is for a club in a large town or city. It has been shown that these grants have been more beneficial to smaller communities.

The Estimates propose large increases in the grants for the agricultural sector. Disadvantaged areas payments will be increased by 8%, following the partnership negotiations. REPS payments will increase by 17%, a significant amount for those benefiting from the scheme. The early retirement scheme for farmers will be increased to a maximum of €15,000. This will encourage older farmers to hand over to younger ones at an earlier stage.

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