Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

We must be conscious of the economic situation that prevailed in the second half of the year. Statistics show that the economic downturn occurred in the second half of the year and it would be irresponsible of the Government not to be conscious of that. Our commitments are there and refer to education generally. Our record can be seen and some €9.3 billion will be spent on education this year. In particular the increase was €690 million, despite a serious economic situation that presented to us at the time of the Estimates. I commend the amendment to the House.

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