Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I am just pointing out the factual position from the Leader of the Opposition's point of view. In regard to what I am going to do and what this Government will do, we will prioritise investments in those areas which will be most productive for the economy and for society. Education has been an area where, since this Government took office in 1997, we have consistently expanded and increased investment on an ongoing basis and will continue to do so. We will have to do so as members of the euro area in compliance with Stability and Growth Pact commitments which affect all governments. That requires us to keep a broad budgetary balance which is an issue on which the Opposition spokesman on finance has been speaking.

In regard to the specific issue raised by the Deputy, an expert group was set up by our previous Minister for Education and Science, which reported at the beginning of the year on the expenditure on the hardware, software, technical support and teacher training. Implementation of the plan is being considered.

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