Secondary schools owned by the main churches claim the Government is discriminating against them and favouring non-denominational community and vocational schools, writes Emmet Oliver, Education Correspondent.
Catholic and Church of Ireland-owned schools are getting 25 per cent less per pupil than community and vocational schools from the Government, the Joint Managerial Body (JMB) claimed last night.
It represents the majority of denominational schools and says the Government has failed to realise new funding arrangements were now needed.
"Years ago there were brothers and sisters available to do a lot of work, but now these schools need proper secretaries and caretakers like every school," said Mr George O'Callaghan, general secretary of the JMB.
In answer to a written Dail question yesterday, the Minister for Education, Dr Woods, said he intended to improve the funding to all schools at second level.