McNulty to meet Permanent Secretary over GAA jobs
SDLP Assembly Member for Newry and Armagh Justin McNulty MLA is to meet with the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Education over the threat to funding for GAA Coaches in local schools.
Speaking to Newry Times, McNulty said, “Ulster GAA are funded to provide coaching skills in many Primary Schools locally and that funding is under threat because of the political instability at Stormont.
“I have met with representatives of the GAA to discuss the issue and pledged to meet with senior officials to seek an urgent resolution to this matter.
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“At present the GAA work in over 250 local primary schools with children of all backgrounds. This work is essential to build sports skills, but also an awareness of keeping active and healthy.
The local MLA continued, “The work allows young people to get a greater understanding of what the GAA is all about, especially in areas which would not normally associated with the GAA.
“These jobs are vital to schools and communities. I have spoken to local Principals who were angry that this is the latest area to face budgetary pressures because of the instability at Stormont.
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He added, “In the absence of an Education Minister, I have sought and secured a meeting with the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Education. I hope that a resolution to this issue can be found and the threat to the jobs and indeed the services the coaches provide can be lifted as soon as possible.”
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