Parents fundraising €46m a year to meet shortfall in primary school funding

Education Minister Norma Foley, John Boyle  left, general secretary, Joe Mc Keown, president, and John Driscoll vice-president of INTO at the union's annual congress in Killarney on Tuesday. Picture: Moya Nolan

Teachers are demanding “proper funding” for primary schools, as they are struggling to meet basic costs such as heating, cleaning and insurance.

The INTO has said primary schools currently receive “significantly less” funding than second- and third-level institutions, as parents and local communities are forced to fundraise €46m a year just to make up the shortfall to cover basic necessities.