Taoiseach pledges 'alleviation measures' for disadvantaged schools

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has today insisted the Government will keep supports in place for disadvantaged schools, despite budget cutbacks.

However, Mr Kenny has admitted that 428 teaching posts will be lost in these schools "gradually" over the next three years.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said that the most vulnerable bearing the brunt, and labelled the Labour Party as "shameful" for allowing it to happen.

The Taoiseach said that funding supports will remain in place and that help will be offered to schools to make the changes needed to save money.

"Minister Quinn sat down with the principals of schools yesterday, in meeting the INTO (Irish National Teachers' Organisation), to explain to them what's involved here, so that they can prepare for these gradual changes," said Deputy Kenny.

"He's already pointed out that alleviation measures will be put in place for schools that are most impacted, where teachers are likely to be lost over the next three years."