Insurance costs cripple secondary schools

SECONDARY schools are being forced to use less light and heat because of crippling insurance bills, their managers warned yesterday.

In their pre-budget submission, the Joint Managerial Body (JMB) said an extra €50 a year for each student would help sort out the funding crisis, which is also causing delays in essential repairs.

While the 340 vocational, community and comprehensive schools have their insurance costs fully covered by the State, the 420 voluntary secondary schools have to meet premiums from their Department of Education grant.