Parents have to make up funding shortfall, says INTO

PARENTS will face increased financial demands from schools because of inadequate increases in direct funding from Government, teachers and the Opposition said last night.

After no increases last year, Education Minister Noel Dempsey secured rises in the per-pupil capitation grant for primary and second level schools 10 and 8 per child respectively just earlier this week.

"Some schools will still be under pressure to meet their running costs but I don't accept they face huge pressures," the minister said last night.