Schools set to defy Dempsey ban on half days

STUDENTS at several schools will be granted a half day today to celebrate the visit of Cork's Lord Mayor defying Education Minister Noel Dempsey's ban on the tradition.

Seven schools will be visited by Cork Lord Mayor Colm Burke as the controversy over days off continues.

Education Minister Noel Dempsey has insisted schools should not freely grant half days for visiting dignitaries such as mayors or bishops.