The glitterati of young movie makers will be out in strength this week as Munster schools make up almost half of the 24 in the running for Ireland’s junior Oscars.

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn may give consideration to expanding the Deis scheme to include many other schools with high numbers of disadvantaged pupils.

Up to 3,000 people from communities all over West Cork are expected to stage a protest in Bantry on Friday over changes which they warn could force the closure of small rural schools.