McCreevy defends ‘miserly’ education increase

FINANCE Minister Charlie McCreevy last night defended the 3% increase to the education budget next year and stressed the Government had given the sector €2.4bn extra over the years 1997-2003.

But most criticisms focused on the 4% in funds available for primary school buildings. New schools figured prominently in Fianna Fáil's pre-election promises last May. Many FF backbenchers face a return to their constituencies to explain why these have been delayed, at very least.

The overall paltry increase was sharply criticised by teacher unions, opposition parties and students. The 2003 Estimates published yesterday include a 7% increase in the overall provision for primary education, a 4% increase for the secondary sector, but a 2% overall cut in the allocation to third level.