Alliance Education Spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA said: “I am glad that David Ford’s letter to the other main parties appears to have helped move things forward. Alliance is determined to ensure quick talks and it looks like we are succeeding.
“It now looks like four of the five main parties here will take part in preparatory talks. Only Sinn Fein appear not to be getting involved and I would encourage them take part because it would send out a terrible message if they do not.
“We hope to have arrangements for these talks finalised in the coming days. The public will accept no further delays on building a consensus to deal with this crisis.
“Getting around the table is the not only the right thing to do, it’s the only thing that can be done to resolve this problem. It’s the least that children, parents and teachers who have to contend with this current chaos deserve.”
ENDS