Organised protests helped to overturn the teacher cuts in Deis schools but there is still concern in rural areas that the Government is trying to force smaller education facilities to amalgamate, write Niall Murray and Donal Hickey

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn still faces political pressure over a number of budget cuts despite a significant rowback on the planned withdrawal of teachers from 132 disadvantaged primary schools.

AT a meeting of the Northside Principals’ Group meeting in Scoil Iosagáin, Farranree recently, 22 principals in Cork city met to discuss the proposed cuts to DEIS schools.

ANGRY parents have gathered in protest outside a primary school to voice their opposition to proposed cuts which could see the loss of up to 13 teachers at the school.

A MOTHER who has seen her son’s reading and maths improve dramatically fears cuts to local schools will mean her daughter does not have the same opportunity.

A BLIND schoolgirl who needed to raise €30,000 for a revolutionary treatment in China to restore her sight has been given a date for the procedure — after raising the cash in just weeks.

FIVE students who never missed a day of school for 14 years have been honoured for their achievement.

HUNDREDS of primary schools in disadvantaged areas will benefit from a €6 million dormant accounts package announced yesterday.