Lunn queries Education Department consultation on Community Relations

Alliance Education spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA has queried the lack of joined up government after the Department for Education began consulting on a community relations document for their Department when the Office of the First Minister deputy First Minister is consulting on their Cohesion, Sharing and Integration document covering all Departments.

Trevor Lunn MLA said: “I am glad that the Department for Education is taking the issue of community relations seriously but I have to wonder how much of an impact this document will have considering the fact that Caitriona Ruane has cut the budget for community relations in schools by 70%.

“This document also does not appear to look at the wider issue of shared education as a means of promoting good relations.

“And I have to wonder how this document will fit into the Cohesion, Sharing and Integration strategy that will affect all Departments.

“I hope that this document will be treated with importance by the Department of Education and will not be used by them to justify the cutting of their community relations budget.”

ENDS