Menu
09/05/2023
Proposed Education Authority Cuts Will 'Devastate Many Children'
A proposed £200 million in cuts by the Education Authority (EA) would "devastate many children and their parents", SDLP Education Spokesperson Daniel McCrossan has said.
It is understood that due to budgetary pressures, the EA will need to find up to £200m in savings. Mr McCrossan said further cuts would continue to hurt the most vulnerable, including those with special educational needs (SEN).
West Tyrone MLA Mr McCrossan said: "Schools across the North are in an impossible situation. Many families still face a struggle to obtain a school place for their child, long overdue maintenance has not been carried out in schools, staff are still being forced to take industrial action as they fight for a fair pay rise and important schemes to support vulnerable children and their families are being cut left, right and centre.
"Despite the best efforts of staff and the support of local communities many schools were already coming apart at the seams before these latest cuts imposed on us by the Tory government due to the DUP's refusal to get back to work. We are now facing a situation where children are going hungry during the school holidays, where they can no longer avail of counselling when needed and now vitally important measures like school transport, youth services and support for those with SEN are next on the chopping block.
"Our children cannot become collateral damage for the political failure that continues to permeate this place. The reality is the Education Authority have no chance of making savings of this size without gutting our education system which will have catastrophic consequences for our children, their families, their futures and our society as a whole.
"We cannot stand by and watch as the quality of education across the North is decimated. Due to the efforts of our teachers and staff our children and young people punch well above their weight when it comes to academic achievement and we cannot allow decades of progress to be destroyed by the Tories and the DUP."
It is understood that due to budgetary pressures, the EA will need to find up to £200m in savings. Mr McCrossan said further cuts would continue to hurt the most vulnerable, including those with special educational needs (SEN).
West Tyrone MLA Mr McCrossan said: "Schools across the North are in an impossible situation. Many families still face a struggle to obtain a school place for their child, long overdue maintenance has not been carried out in schools, staff are still being forced to take industrial action as they fight for a fair pay rise and important schemes to support vulnerable children and their families are being cut left, right and centre.
"Despite the best efforts of staff and the support of local communities many schools were already coming apart at the seams before these latest cuts imposed on us by the Tory government due to the DUP's refusal to get back to work. We are now facing a situation where children are going hungry during the school holidays, where they can no longer avail of counselling when needed and now vitally important measures like school transport, youth services and support for those with SEN are next on the chopping block.
"Our children cannot become collateral damage for the political failure that continues to permeate this place. The reality is the Education Authority have no chance of making savings of this size without gutting our education system which will have catastrophic consequences for our children, their families, their futures and our society as a whole.
"We cannot stand by and watch as the quality of education across the North is decimated. Due to the efforts of our teachers and staff our children and young people punch well above their weight when it comes to academic achievement and we cannot allow decades of progress to be destroyed by the Tories and the DUP."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 March 2015
New Education Authority To Replace NI's Five Education And Library Boards
The new Education Authority will replace Northern Ireland's five education and library boards on Wednesday 1 April. The new Authority replaces the existing five Education and Library Boards and their Staff Commission. The new organisation will have a £1.
New Education Authority To Replace NI's Five Education And Library Boards
The new Education Authority will replace Northern Ireland's five education and library boards on Wednesday 1 April. The new Authority replaces the existing five Education and Library Boards and their Staff Commission. The new organisation will have a £1.
05 March 2009
Education Minister Drums Up Support For Integration
With over 18,000 children and young people being educated in integrated schools across Northern Ireland already, the sector has an important role to play.
Education Minister Drums Up Support For Integration
With over 18,000 children and young people being educated in integrated schools across Northern Ireland already, the sector has an important role to play.
03 April 2002
McGuinness slams NI's "world-class education myth"
The Education Minister Martin McGuinness launched a stinging criticism of the 11+ testing procedure in a speech to the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) in Limerick.
McGuinness slams NI's "world-class education myth"
The Education Minister Martin McGuinness launched a stinging criticism of the 11+ testing procedure in a speech to the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) in Limerick.
23 August 2018
Call For Entire Education System In NI To Be Reviewed
The Alliance Party and SDLP are calling for the entire education system in Northern Ireland to be reviewed after it was revealed that the Education Authority (EA) considered taking away all school crossing patrols.
Call For Entire Education System In NI To Be Reviewed
The Alliance Party and SDLP are calling for the entire education system in Northern Ireland to be reviewed after it was revealed that the Education Authority (EA) considered taking away all school crossing patrols.
06 October 2009
Republic's Minority School Cuts Opposed
Cutbacks in non Catholic schools across the Irish Republic are being opposed. It has emerged that Protestants in the State are to 'take the fight' to the Daíl to try to halt cuts to school budgets.
Republic's Minority School Cuts Opposed
Cutbacks in non Catholic schools across the Irish Republic are being opposed. It has emerged that Protestants in the State are to 'take the fight' to the Daíl to try to halt cuts to school budgets.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
