Alliance Party Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has welcomed the Health Department’s announcement that a programme of weekly testing for pupils and staff in special educational needs schools is set to be carried out in Northern Ireland.

Testing is due to begin at the start of February, subject to business case approval.

Paula said: “I welcome the move from the Departments of Health and Education, and I hope that the business case is approved by the Executive with the utmost urgency. I also look forward to a decision on the prioritisation of special education teachers for vaccination.

“Teachers and parents have been calling for extra measures of protection, given that Special Educational Needs Schools have remained open to all pupils during the most recent period of restrictions. Many of my constituents fear for their children who are often more at risk from the virus.

“It is important that all teachers will be facilitated to attend the weekly testing, especially those who work part-time and may not be at the school on the days when the test is conducted.”