Fee-paying schools fund

FUNDING for computers and other equipment in fee-paying second-level schools is to be included in a €20 million technology package to be announced next week.

The delayed funding was to have been in place earlier this year but the Teachers’ Union of Ireland says the inclusion of money for about 60 fee-paying schools will widen the divide between these and schools in disadvantaged areas. The department could face challenges if it does not continue to provide equal funding for Protestant fee-paying schools.