Education access plans ‘need overhaul’

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, received by Education Minister Noel Dempsey last week, calls for a radical rethink.

The report highlights past failings, particularly in the area of funding and staffing resources for initiatives aimed at tackling educational disadvantage. Dozens of such schemes are funded by the Department of Education at pre-school, primary, second and third-level.