THE Government's proposed regional education boards would each cost an estimated £40 million, Mr Seamus Brennan (FF Dublin South) said.

"Clearly, therefore, the cost implications of these proposals cast doubt on whether or not they will ever be implemented. I wonder if the Department of Finance has undertaken any detailed costings of these particular proposals and if so, will they be made available?" he added.

Mr Brennan was speaking during the resumed debate on the Fianna Fail private members motion opposing the setting up of the boards.

The Government defeated the motion by 68 votes to 63.