Calls for action to tackle school disadvantage

TEACHERS have demanded urgent action to tackle educational disadvantage in schools, to include smaller classes and pay incentives for school staff in poorer areas.

The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) accused the Government of failing to tackle disadvantage through a shortage of resources and a lack of expansion of effective programmes.

More than €540 million has been allocated by the Department of Education this year for schemes aimed at eradicating educational disadvantage, including grants for third level students. Almost one-in-ten of the country’s 3,300 primary schools are designated as disadvantaged, qualifying them for extra staff and benefits under other schemes.