Primary spaces targeted

THE bulk of the small spending increase in education will be set aside to provide space for the rising pupil numbers in primary schools.

The €9.3 billion allocation unveiled will allow the Department of Education to provide services worth a mere 1% more than this year. Education Minister Mary Hanafin announced she wants an extra €100 million for unexpected retirements and additional school building.

With about €117m extra to spend, €95m is being used for primary schools and extensions to cater for rapidly growing areas.