Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 1277: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that primary education is put on a protected status during this economic climate. [34512/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I have consistently said that the 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect, education, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be totally spared.

Planned expenditure levels for my Department will be considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010. This will include consideration of the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes, and the decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for the Government.

It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.