Primary schools plea for urgent spending increase

PRIMARY school managers have issued an urgent appeal to the Government to raise spending on their schools amid fears that further financial cutbacks could cause huge damage to the education of future generations.

The management bodies of all Irish primary schools came together yesterday to make a joint appeal for a substantial increase in funding for the sector in the October 14 budget.

The group — which comprises representatives of all school bodies representing religious, multi-denomination and special needs schools as well as gaelscoileanna — warned that primary schools are already suffering from a lack of proper facilities and equipment, especially in the area of IT and sports, as well as services for school children with special needs, due to financial constraints.