Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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139. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to provide additional investment in education spending to provide a totally free primary education for all children which would cover all financial extras such as books, classroom resources and transportation, in line with the recent call by a charity (details supplied) for an investment of €103 million for this purpose; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25803/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I am aware of the research referred to by the Deputy.

The Government's focus in recent years has been on stabilising the country's finances so as to ensure that funding could continue to be provided for the provision of essential services such as health, education and social protection. This is the best way of protecting and improving services. A key priority for funding at primary level is catering for our rising demographics so that every child has a school place. I do recognise the need for further investment at primary level in particular to improve capitation funding to help schools with their day to day costs. In the last Budget, I was able to secure the first increase in education spending in recent years. I am determined to continue pressing the case for increased investment in education in the forthcoming budget.