Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 9: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the most recent figures on the percentage of GDP and NDP that is spent on education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10742/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Investment in education has increased dramatically under the Government. This year, we are providing €8.6 billion for education compared with just €2.9 billion in 1997 and €5.4 billion in 2002. Thus, expenditure has virtually trebled since 1997 and risen by 60% since 2002. It is estimated that the gross education provision in 2007 represents a projected 4.5% and 5.3% of GDP and GNP, respectively.

Given the distinctive structure of the Irish economy and specifically the high proportion of our GDP that is expatriated as profits of foreign direct investment enterprises, GNP is a better indicator of the relative resources available. This is particularly relevant in the context of any international comparisons of education expenditure. Such comparisons tend to be done on a GDP basis, as for most OECD countries the difference between GDP and GNP is negligible. However, this is not the case in Ireland. For example, the difference in magnitude between Ireland's GDP and GNP was 18.5% in 2003. This means that standardised expenditure data for Ireland would be higher if GNP were used instead of GDP.

The results of the increased investment in education in recent years are clear. There are now 5,000 more primary teachers than in 2002. Thousands of school buildings have been modernised in recent years, while many new ones have been built. Children with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas are receiving more support than ever before. There have been huge increases in the numbers of young people reaching third level education.

Ireland's education outcomes are among the best in world. CSO data show that the educational profile of 20 to 24 year olds has improved steadily in the last several years as a result of major investment in tackling educational disadvantage and increasing opportunities in the further education and training sector. By 2005, 85.8% of 20 to 24 year olds had attained upper second level education or equivalent, up from 82.6% in 2000 and putting Ireland way ahead of the EU average of 77.5%. Our third level participation rates are also well ahead of international averages.