With the second year of the Breaking the Cycle initiative underway, early indications are positive, says Maura Grant, co-ordinator of its urban phase. "There is a tremendous buzz and evidence of considerably improved morale in all of the schools involved," she says.

The initiative provides support to selected schools where pupils have been identified as experiencing particularly acute levels of educational disadvantage. The urban phase targets 25 schools in Dublin, five in Cork and three in Limerick.

"There is an almost palpable desire among teachers to really make a difference to the life chances of the children under their care," Grant says. "There is a positive reaction to the staffing concessions and the level of grants to participating schools for equipment, special projects and out-of-school activities."