Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

There are no cutbacks in education. There is an increase of 8%, €690 million, in our budget. The education system is extensive and I was concerned to ensure that all levels within it would receive an increase. Previous Ministers might have determined not to provide increases in respect of third or fourth level education, but I see such behaviour as having a significant impact, not only on our society as it stands, but also on the future of our economy.

The summer works scheme did not proceed this year, but last year 1,500 projects were completed under the scheme. An amount of work and effort was invested in the smaller projects. I have an obligation to ensure that the larger projects proceed this year. Such projects are particularly relevant to areas with growing communities. One obviously expends a significant amount of money in the first year following the commencement of projects of this nature. This is particularly the case in view of the fact that we are seeking to ensure that schools are put in place in the various new communities.

I made a policy decision in respect of this matter. Smaller projects were completed in the past couple of years and larger projects will commence this year. We will return, as soon as possible, to the summer works scheme, which is extremely important.

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