IRISH language and Catholic schools are getting more money from a curriculum fund than non-Catholic schools.
The Curriculum Reserve Support Fund provides
for additional teaching support.
RESPONSE
A response to an Assembly question by North Antrim DUP MLA Mervyn Storey also found that such funding for Irish schools had doubled from 15,000 to 30,000 in a year.
Although this was a small fraction of the overall total of more than 1 million, there are only 21 Irish language schools out of more than 1,000 schools eligible.
The controlled integrated sector, which has 20 schools, got nothing.
A total of 630,000 was allocated to the 533 maintained schools and Irish medium schools, while just over 450,000 was allocated to the 592 state schools.
ACCUSATION
Mr Storey accused the minister, who is well known to be a keen supporter of the Irish language, of playing favourites.
He said: "These figures highlight yet again the ongoing failure of this Education Minister to get to grips with her ministerial obligations.
"One would have thought that the Education Minister would by now have established a very clear set of priorities for herself. Falling school roles, competing education systems, a new transfer system, a 12-year-old industrial dispute and this ongoing financial black hole.
"However, instead of this the minister busies herself pouring money into Irish language schools at a time of such intense financial pressure."
He added: "No credible Education Minister would even set out on such a
policy, let alone attempt to justify it."
REACTION
But Education Minister Caitrona Ruane hit back accusing Mr Story of "attempting to score political points."
She said: "Members making comments such as these should recognise their own responsibilities regarding equality of treatment for all children.
"With regard to the deficits, my Department has previously issued guidance which aims to bring all schools into acceptable budget balance by the end of the 2007/08 financial year. The overall trend in recent years has been downwards.
She added: "Demand for Irish medium education is growing in an education sector where overall numbers are falling. I would be neglecting my duty as Minister if I did not approve funding for Irish medium, schools which are required to meet the same criteria as any other sector.
"I am fully aware of the range of priorities facing education and will continue to work for the benefit of all children and young people."