Research by Dr Paul Downes has revealed that 10 per cent of first-year students may not be getting enough food to function effectively in class.

It is alleged that a supply company to the School Meals’ Programme has defrauded the Department of Social and Family Affairs of €750,000.

The NEWB analysis of school attendance data in primary and post-primary schools, from 2003-04 to 2005-06, was published on December 11.

A survey reveals that 82 per cent of Fine Gael representatives believe radical revision of our second level system is necessary for effective operation.

The Minister’s announcement that places at Senior Traveller Training Centres will be cut “makes easy targets of people who most need education”.

Youngsters at risk of leaving school early face a reduction in counselling and other support services, due to cuts in the School Completion Programme.

The Government’s proposed 3% cut in its payroll for the School Completion Programme has been described as “ill thought-out and ill-judged”.