Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Twomey, O'Toole, Alex White, Healy Eames and Walsh called for a debate on the issue of health. I informed the House last week that such a debate will take place next week. I will inform the House tomorrow morning of the day and times for that debate.

Senators O'Toole, Mullen, Bacik and many other Senators expressed concern regarding the education portfolio and various changes announced in the budget. I must put the facts in this respect on the record. An additional allocation of 3.2%, or an increase of €302 million, for the Department of Education and Science was announced in the budget. This reflects the Government's commitment to prioritising investment in the sector in these difficult economic times. Furthermore, there are now more than 30,000 primary teachers in schools throughout the country. In the primary sector alone there are some 6,500 more teachers on the Department's payroll than there were in 2002. Also, a further €586 million will be spent on the school building programme this year, which will result in the provision of an additional 1,200 new school places. The overall capital allocation of €889 million for 2009 represents an increase of €80 million on the allocation for 2008.