The levels of support for schools with the most disadvantaged pupils may not be enough, new research suggests.

The Department of Education looks set to continue defending cases brought by families seeking guaranteed resource teaching hours for children with Down syndrome, who should now qualify for the support after a government decision this week.

Dozens of children with Down Syndrome who had not previously been eligible for one-to-one special needs teaching in mainstream schools will get extra support from September.

Aspiring journalist Ciara McArdle showed the power of the written word yesterday when she won a national competition that encourages students to read newspapers.

The refurbishment of 2,000 council flats depends upon EU aid money, Housing Minister Jan O’Sullivan has told the Cabinet.

The family of a woman with advanced Alzheimer’s, who has been waiting seven years for a housing adaptation grant, yesterday confronted the housing minister in a tearful plea for help before she dies.

Local authorities are facing a dressing-down from the housing minister for leaving thousands of homes lying idle while housing waiting lists remain at crisis levels.

Flood defences may be strengthened using funds from the European Investment Bank, according to Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore.

The aftermath of tragedy has brought a torrent of ill-informed rhetoric about ‘neknomination’, says Peter O’Dwyer

FOLLOWING a weekend in which the city she represents was swamped with flood water, Housing Minister Jan O’Sullivan said the devastation — and what happens in the future — would have to be an “absolute priority for the Government”.

Two Government funds will help alleviate the costs of damage from flooding in communities and homes, ministers have agreed.

Flood-hit traders in Cork City, who are bracing for more misery tonight, have pleaded with the Government to fast-track the delivery of a multi-million flood defence plan.

Waterford

The Government pledged a €10m emergency fund forcommunities worst hit by flooding, but it has accepted it will not be enough to meet people’s needs.