Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

That will depend on the budgetary parameters as we go through the next seven years. With respect, the assumptions which are set out in the plan are predicated on growth of more than 4.5% per annum. I have been making the point, generally speaking, that it is important that we prioritise investment to those areas which will improve competitiveness and ensure we continue to see investment coming to the country to create jobs and maintain and grow wealth for the country in order that we can develop public services.

Specifically, in regard to the whole question of the role information communications technology can play in the furtherance and development of our education system, at primary, second and other levels, it is important that we provide a priority for that area. As the Leader of the Opposition will be aware, that is done in the context of the Estimates process. I have heard from the Opposition, quite rightly, taking into account the change in the international environment in which we operate, the need to maintain our commitments under the Stability and Growth Pact by providing broadly balanced budgets going forward; this is an issue that has to be considered in that context.

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