A number of education boards have already revealed shortfalls

The Western Education and Library Board (WELB) revealed on Friday that it faces a multi-million pound shortfall in the next few years.

The board said efficiency savings alone meant it expected that �8m would have to be cut from its spending over the next three years.

However, it is expected that the total shortfall could be a lot higher when the full figures are put before the board next week.

The WELB said that these cuts would have a negative impact on schools and the classroom.

On Thursday, the Southern Education and Library Board, which is based in Armagh, is predicting a shortfall of an estimated �28m over the next three years.

The Belfast and South Eastern Boards are already the subject of a special government inquiry into their overspending.

The North Eastern Board has cancelled all but emergency maintenance to stay within its budget this year.