John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

The Estimates have been lauded for providing significant increases in funding for education. If one examines where the extra funds are being spent and takes out the elements concerned with pay and the redress board, one is left with a stagnant position for this year, according to the Book of Estimates. Contrary to what we were told about increased funding, it looks as if matters are staying pretty much the way they are. Senator White and others spoke about the community enterprise schemes and their value and importance and I am interested in the new-found enthusiasm within Fianna Fáil to keep them intact.