GOVERNMENT Ministers were accused last night of splashing out €3.5 million a year on dozens of new spindoctors, advisors and political hacks, while neglecting urgently needed public services.

Fine Gael Education spokeswoman Olwyn Enright has today welcomed the announcement that schools are to have broadband internet access, but called on the Minister for Education to ensure that schools have the right equipment to utilise these connections properly.

Extra staff at the Education Welfare Board will not solve the problem of truancy in our schools, according to Fine Gael's Education spokesperson, Olwyn Enright.

As preparation for discussions continue over the teacher's supervision issue, the Minister for Education is being called on this evening to clarify whether the Government was involved in a "reinterpretation" of union agreements.

EDUCATION Minister Noel Dempsey was accused yesterday of breaking his promise to help disadvantaged students by slashing €36 million from his department’s budget.