Hazzard welcomes additional funds for schools

South Down MLA Chris Hazzard has welcomed this week’s announcement that an additional £63 million will be allocated to the Education Budget for 2015/2016.

Sinn Fein MLA Chris Hazzard

The Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson said, “Sinn Féin has argued that the Education budget needs to be protected so the announcement that the Department is to gain another £63m vindicates that position.

“This funding coupled with other changes made by the Department since draft Budget will see £80 million going back into the schools budget and will ensure there is no reduction in this important area.

“This additional money will go a long way in helping to protect frontline services such as the jobs of teaching and non teaching staff. Not only will this money allow the schools budget to be protected but it will also allow funding for ELB youth services and pre school provision to be reinstated.

“I would also like to recognise the important part that a large number of local schools across Co Down played in lobbying myself and the Department of Education following the draft proposals. I am delighted that we were able to find the necessary additional funds to address the shortfalls identified.

Hazzard added, “The education of our children is one of the greatest gifts we can bestow on any generation so it is essential that we ensure to make the funds available to provide this. Sinn Féin will continue to fight for adequate funding for education so that every child has the opportunity to fulfil their potential on an equal basis.”

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Posted by Newry Times News on Jan 29 2015. Filed under Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry