Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

-----of trying to bring forward a budgetary strategy. All of us in government, taking into account everything that we are trying to achieve to find ways forward that will ensure we have a well-funded sector. Where one has a situation where 35% less revenue is available than was the case prior to this crisis, it is clear that one cannot continue to borrow for day-to-day expenses on an ongoing basis. One must close that gap, which can only be done on a sustainable basis by taking decisions in respect of areas which would one not normally contemplate considering. No decisions have yet been taken. A good discussion is ongoing on these matters. We are trying to find a way forward.

On the question of post-leaving certificate colleges and institutes of education, the places have been increased, unlike when the Labour Party was in government, which was to provide for a no-fee scenario for an existing number. What we have done is increased the number of people who can access education.

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