Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I do not doubt the sincerity of the Labour Party's request for additional funding for capitation grants. Is it, however, serious in suggesting such an increase is achievable in one year? The Minister's objective is to double the capitation grant over the lifetime of the Government.

Fianna Fáil in Government has taken a measured and focused approach to the resourcing of primary education, with a resulting benefit in financial terms for all schools and with special support for those in greatest need. That is why I am satisfied the Government and the Minister will deliver on the commitment to doubling the rate of capitation grant to primary schools by 2012, the same way it delivered on its commitment to old age pensioners.

In 2008, €9.3 billion will be invested in education. The Labour Party believes capitation grants should be doubled with Deputy Gilmore suggesting a price tag of €82 million. Has the Labour Party any suggestion from where this funding could come? Does the party suggest the cutting of other services? Does it want to cut the provision for the extra 1,200 primary and post-primary teachers?

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