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18/09/2023
Primary School Cutting Hot Meals And Water 'Devastating' – Alliance
School children going without hot meals and hot water has been described as a "catastrophic tipping point" by Alliance MLA Nick Mathison.
Mathison said that the news an East Belfast primary school has had to withdraw hot meals and hot water was "devastating" and raised concerns that school children are beginning to "suffer the immensity of cuts to our education system in such a Dickensian manner".
Writing to the Education Authority (EA) to establish the extent of the problem, Mr Mathison, said: "The financial position that they have been placed in is a direct consequence of having no Executive or local Education Minister to support our schools. A restored Executive won't solve every problem, but without the institutions back up and running, no progress at all can be made in dealing with the endless list of cuts being made across our education system.
"Those holding our political institutions to ransom need to re-evaluate their priorities and do what's right for our children, before these problems become more widespread. They need to end their deadlock, get back to Stormont and put an Education Minister back into office to deal with this crisis."
Mathison said that the news an East Belfast primary school has had to withdraw hot meals and hot water was "devastating" and raised concerns that school children are beginning to "suffer the immensity of cuts to our education system in such a Dickensian manner".
Writing to the Education Authority (EA) to establish the extent of the problem, Mr Mathison, said: "The financial position that they have been placed in is a direct consequence of having no Executive or local Education Minister to support our schools. A restored Executive won't solve every problem, but without the institutions back up and running, no progress at all can be made in dealing with the endless list of cuts being made across our education system.
"Those holding our political institutions to ransom need to re-evaluate their priorities and do what's right for our children, before these problems become more widespread. They need to end their deadlock, get back to Stormont and put an Education Minister back into office to deal with this crisis."
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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.
