Speaking in the Assembly today Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson, Chris Hazard said the sizeable additional allocation of funding to education will alleviate many of the pressures facing teachers and students across the North.

Chris Hazzard said: “In response to a consultation on the Executive’s draft budget and representations from the trade unions, the schools and the community and minister John O’Dowd, education received an extra £64.6m.

“This reflects the Executive and the minister’s commitment to a high-quality education system which delivers excellence and contributes to the success of our economy and society as a whole. (more…)

Alliance Employment and Learning Minister, Stephen Farry MLA, has responded to the decision of the Executive to direct the payment of small and specialist institution premia to Stranmillis University College and St. Mary’s University College by highlighting the impact of this decision on other skills initiatives and its inconsistency with other stated Executive priorities.

Stephen Farry stated: “Today’s Executive decision further reinforces the reality that Northern Ireland continues to operate a system of teacher training that is not fit for purpose. It remains financially unviable, it is not keeping pace with world-class standards, and it is not in keeping with the creation of a shared and inclusive future. (more…)