CHILDREN with special needs, living in disadvantaged areas or from non-English speaking backgrounds will be the big winners from the extra €740 million secured for next year’s spending by the Department of Education.

A NUMBER of schools have admitted help is required in dealing with unruly students, but they may have to wait several months before getting assistance from experts working to address the issue.

As the first of the Easter teacher union conferences gets under way in Killarney today, Education Correspondent Niall Murray assesses the likely talking points - and the minister’s past performance.

PERSISTENTLY disruptive pupils who make life hell for their teachers and fellow classmates will be tackled under new teams designed to help schools, Waterford Fianna Fáil TD Ollie Wilkinson has said.

The Department of Education has placed ads in the national newspapers today seeking staff for new teams being established to tackle indiscipline in Irish schools.