Integrated schools mean better value for money and a shared future – Alliance

Alliance Party Chief Whip, Kieran McCarthy MLA, has called for the creation of more integrated schools to deliver better value for money in the education sector. Ending segregation across the board in Northern Ireland would save taxpayers one billion pounds per year. His calls come on the day it was revealed that the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) might have to close or amalgamate 50 primary schools over the next five years.

The Strangford Assembly Member stated: “If the CCMS are planning to close or amalgamate 50 schools in the next five years, it makes more sense for schools from all sections of the community to consider the option of becoming integrated.

“If we saw schools amalgamating and becoming integrated it would mean massive savings for local taxpayers.

“To smash segregation we must end division at all levels of society, from the Northern Ireland Assembly right down to local primary schools. Giving local children a shared future through integrated education will help give them the best start in life.

“It costs one billion pounds per year to keep our society divided. Lets end segregation and save money by having one integrated school in each small town instead of the two divided schools which currently exist.

“If segregation was ended for good, the one billion pounds saved yearly could be used to greatly improve our health service, education system and public transport network.”

ENDS