Alliance disgusted at Minister’s kick in the teeth for integrated education

Alliance Deputy Leader and Education Spokesperson Naomi Long MLA, has expressed her disgust at the Education Minister’s decision to prevent the creation of proposed integrated schools in Northern Ireland. It was revealed today that Maria Eagle has refused the people of Antrim an integrated secondary school, has stopped the creation of two new integrated primary schools and has prevented two existing primary schools from transforming to integrated status.

The East Belfast Assembly Member stated: “This is a real kick in the teeth for the integrated sector.

“I am absolutely disgusted by today’s decisions. The Department is repeatedly failing to live up to its rhetoric on integrated education and a shared future.

“Despite endless reports which show that integrated education provides a solution to the current funding crisis and helps meet growing parent demand, the department continually fails to deliver.

“I am shocked that the government has decided to go against the wishes of the parents in the schools who voted to transform to integrated status.

“It is very sad day for the integrated sector. It beggars belief that the government can make a decision like this while demand for integrated education greatly exceeds the number of places available.”

ENDS