SCHOOLS should be funded based on the number of children from disadvantaged homes on their roll books, an expert group has told the Government.

Education Correspondent Niall Murray reports on the increase in early school-leavers.

PARENTS and students will air their views on how to improve the education system at a series of public meetings with Education Minister Noel Dempsey next year.

BETTER planning and less duplication of resources is needed if the educational system is to be accessible to everyone, a major report has warned.

The first report of the Educational Disadvantage Committee, which represents the views of a considerable constituency of organisations involved in the field, would appear to be a commitment to common sense.