Ireland bottom of class in school funding report

THE Government has been accused of grossly under-funding the education system after an international report revealed Ireland continues to lag behind most developed countries on school investment.

Last night, Education Minister Noel Dempsey admitted more money must be provided for primary schools, despite the increases in overall spending.

As 57,000 students collect Junior Certificate results today, an Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) analysis of global education shows only the Slovak Republic spends less per second-level student as a proportion of national income.