Disadvantaged schools get €40m funding boost

AN extra 90 schools are to benefit from a Government plan to boost spending on tackling disadvantage schools by €40 million a year, Education Minister Mary Hanafin announced yesterday.

The funding was outlined at the publication of the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) last May but a survey was required to determine the schools needing most help.

The findings have allowed Ms Hanafin increase the number of primary schools to benefit from 600 to 640, while 200 second level schools are to be included in the School Support Programme (SSP) 50 more than originally announced.