EU: Education cuts undermine potential

Cuts in education budgets risk undermining the economy’s growth potential, the EU has warned Ireland as the country moves closer to the bottom of the international league table in spending on schools.

Ireland is one of only three EU countries to reduce spending across a range of education, including student support, teachers and infrastructure, according to a report.

It says the crisis is severely affecting prospects for young people in particular, with youth unemployment now over 20% across the EU. Ireland has one of the highest levels at over 30%.