asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development if he will give an assurance that there will be no financial or other restrictions on expenditure as a result of the objectives stated in the recent Government White Paper; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I assume that the Deputy's question is intended to refer specifically to expenditure on education. I regret that I am not in a position to give the assurance he seeks in relation to any type of expenditure, other than expenditure on debt service and like inescapable commitments. The reasons for my inability to give the assurance sought are spelled out in chapter 8 of the White Paper.