Slowing economy may hinder NDP, warns Cowen

TAOISEACH BRIAN Cowen has signalled that the National Development Plan (NDP) may not be implemented as he warned that the "assumptions which are set out in the plan are predicated on growth of more than 4.5 per cent per annum".

He was responding in the Dáil to Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, who questioned if the Government's NDP commitment to invest €252 million in information and computer technology (ICT) for schools would be honoured.

Mr Kenny claimed ICT in schools was a "mess".

There was "less than one computer for every 10 pupils, and less than one in five is actually working. There is inconsistency in terms of the replacement of hardware. Broadband is not available in a number of schools."

The Taoiseach said the investment in ICT for schools "will depend on the budgetary parameters as we go through the next seven years".

The Government's commitment to education has been unprecedented and would continue, he said, hitting out at the Opposition for speaking about the deterioration of the public finances and then saying "we are not spending a sufficient amount".

Mr Cowen said: "It is important that we prioritise investment to those areas which will improve competitiveness, and ensure we continue to see investments coming to the country to create jobs and maintain and grow wealth for the country in order that we can develop public services."

Mr Kenny replied that "this is the first admission from the Taoiseach that the National Development Plan is not secure, and that the commitments entered into will no longer stand up".

Mr Kenny quoted comments by the Taoiseach when, as minister for finance in his Budget speech last year, he said "the National Development Plan is my top priority. Postponing or delaying it would be a major policy error . . . I am determined to roll it out as planned, and thereby secure our future."

Mr Kenny said: "We are now being told by you that this is all predicated on prevailing financial circumstances. This will come as a complete shock and an absolute disappointment to the hundreds of thousands of pupils, teachers and parents throughout the country."

Mr Cowen said Ireland had to take cognisance of the international economic environment from which we cannot be immune.

"We have certain commitments with which we have to contend and in the meantime we will prioritise investments in the productive sectors of the economy, including education."