As part of the Irish government's efforts to reduce public expenditure, Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has outlined details of the 2009 Supplementary Budget provision for his department.

The gross allocation for the Department of Education and Science is now €9.493bn.

Around €81m in overall gross expenditure has been slashed in comparison with the pre-Supplementary Budget estimate of €9.574bn.

Minister O'Keeffe said: "I'm pleased that frontline services in schools have been protected in this Budget and that we're continuing to invest significantly in education at all levels.

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"Despite the severe economic circumstances, we've still prioritised our capital budget in schools.

"I expect that all school building projects I've already announced to go to tender will proceed this year."

The minister said a more competitive environment in the construction sector will enable the department to maximise the return it gets for the government's capital investment in education.

However, Minister O'Keeffe said current expenditure is to be reduced by €27m to €8.643bn while capital expenditure is to be reduced by €54m to €850m.

"The reductions in current and capital expenditure were necessary as part of the government's efforts to reduce overall public expenditure and stabilise the public finances," he said.

(PR/KMcA)