Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 266: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of the 32 budget 2009 cuts in his Department he will reverse; and if he will elaborate on these particular cuts. [39065/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect the education sector, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be totally spared.

Vote 26: Education & Science was increased by €302m which was a real achievement in the current economic climate and was one of only three Government Departments to have increased funding in 2009.

On Budget day I made it clear however, that even with the increased allocation in 2009, tough and difficult decisions had to be taken in order to work within this level of resources. I took no joy in making those decisions. They would not have been taken if we were not facing such ominous financial circumstances.

In the circumstances outlined above, I am not in a position to reverse any of the decisions taken.