€227m increase an effective cut

EDUCATION:THOUGH THE 2009 estimate for the Department of Education and Science's expenditure shows an increase of almost €227 million, it points in effect to a cut in the budget.

Expenditure is estimated to increase from €8.2 billion for 2008 to €8.4 billion next year, which represents an increase of only 2.5 per cent.

The department's capital spending is to increase by €91.3 million, from €788.6 million in 2008 to €879.9 million in 2009.

Quangos can expect a decrease in funding or even amalgamation. The third-level sector is also bracing itself for possible cuts. The Government's commitment to cut class sizes could be stalled.

The department's school-building programme may remain untouched-good news for communities and the building sector.