IPPN

Published: 07 September 2010

Ireland had one of the lowest education budgets among developed nations as the boom years drew to a close, an independent study has revealed.

The think-tank report found just 4.7% of taxpayers' money was used in children's schooling in 2007 - compared to an average 6.2%.

The study, compiled by the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), said Ireland had the fourth lowest out of 31 countries.

Education at a Glance 2010, a report on national education, revealed that only the Czech Republic, Italy and Slovakia paid out less.

Sheila Nunan, general secretary of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO), said this was the reason Irish parents had to subsidise their children's schools.

Full Story: www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk