The introduction of free second-level education 40 years ago by the late Fianna Fáil minister for education Donogh O'Malley is to be recognised through the establishment of Government-funded third-level scholarships for high-achieving students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Announcing the establishment of the scholarships, which are to be named in Mr O'Malley's honour, Minister for Education Mary Hanafin said they would provide a "fitting tribute" to his legacy.
Under the plans, a minimum of three scholarships will be offered in each of four regions: Dublin city and county; the rest of Leinster; Munster; and Connacht/Ulster. Additional awards will be provided in areas with greater numbers of eligible students.
An annual award of about €6,500 will be made to each recipient. It is expected that up to 16 scholarships will be provided next year.
Ms Hanafin said participation in higher education was undergoing a "sea-change". "A clear majority of school leavers now go on to third-level education as compared with an academically elite minority just a generation ago," she said. She added that Mr O'Malley's "visionary initiative" in opening up post-primary education had made this possible.
The scholarships will be available to the top-performing students attending any of the 203 post-primary schools participating in the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (Deis) support programme.
