Hanafin rejects criticism of Ireland's education spending

Minister for Education Mary Hanafin has rejected criticism of the level of money the Government is spending on education.

A new report from the Organisation for Economic and Co-operation and Development says Ireland spent just 4.4% of GDP on education in 2003.

This puts Ireland among the bottom three in a league table of the 30 OECD member countries.

Teachers' unions say the figures show that the Government is failing to use the country’s wealth to benefit its children.

However, Ms Hanafin has rejected the criticism and has insisted that the Government is making major strides in improving the education system.

She said today that vast sums were being spent on school buildings, extra primary-school teachers and schemes to help disadvantaged pupils and those with special needs.

"People can see that we're targeting the money very well in this country and getting our priorities right," she said.