ASTI: Subsidy axe would cost more

The Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland has said it would cost the State more if the €95m annual subsidy to fee-paying schools was withdrawn.

Figures reported in the Irish Examiner yesterday showed the cost to taxpayers in the most recent school year for 56 mostly second-level schools included €86.6m on teacher salaries.

But the union said withholding supports would see a big movement of students into schools that are entirely state-funded.