The North's education system is 'failing vulnerable children'

The 'radical' cuts to education have been condemned by Aontú Deputy Leader Gemma Brolly as teachers and civil servants take part in industrial action.

Mrs Brolly, says she is disappointed with the response she received from the Department of Education after she inquired about the cuts to programmes for vulnerable children.

Speaking today during the largest strike in the North in over 10 years the INTO representative lamented the cuts to education.

“I am truly exasperated to have received a response from the permanent secretary confirming radical cuts to the education budget. As a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator I know first-hand how this will impact children up and down our communities,” Mrs Brolly said.

“These education cuts will leave families chasing essential support, especially for children battling anxiety, school avoidance and emotional regulation issues.

“Not to mention the most recent cuts to 'Extended Schools' which target the disadvantaged pupils in our society. These budget cuts are an attack on the most vulnerable children in our community.”

Mrs Brolly said the North's education system is 'failing vulnerable children'.

“Social and emotional difficulties have sky-rocketed since COVID. The fact that the education department is cutting programmes like ‘Engage’ and “Healthy Happy Minds” is absolutely appalling.

“The Stormont parties, and their political playground games, are depriving vulnerable children of counselling, regulation activities and mental health workshops”.

She said the recent talk from political leaders during the GFA anniversary celebrations about the opportunities young people have is being undermined by the cuts.

“On the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, we’ve heard many political leaders talk about the opportunities that young people have. In reality these cuts mean that the most disadvantaged children in our community will have opportunities stripped away from them.

“Aontú is completely opposed to these cuts. This is why I will rally on Wednesday 26th April with my colleagues at Belfast City Hall for Investment in Education, investment in the education and wellbeing of our children.”

Today’s strikes involve teachers and civil servants from eight unions and are taking place following long-standing disputes over pay and investment.

Solidarity on picket line in Draperstown. Colleagues stand shoulder to shoulder at St Colm's HS. pic.twitter.com/rYb8VNJXsK

— INTO-NI (@INTO_NI) April 26, 2023

Unions on strike include: the PCS, Unite, INTO, UTU, GMB, NIPSA, NASUWT, NAHT.

Speaking about today's strikes NIPSA General Secretary Carmel Gates said the action has been 'forced' by 'the government’s decision to implement sanctions in Northern Ireland'.

“The sanctions imposed by the Secretary of State and Westminster are designed to force Northern Ireland political parties to return to Stormont. In effect, these sanctions only hurt ordinary people and will cause permanent damage to public services,” she said.

"The pay award to our members of £552 is insulting and derisory and adds to the wage cut of more than 20% in 10 years. More than 60% of civil servants now earn below the NI median wage.

"It is time for the trade union movement to say enough is enough. We will build a mighty campaign for pay justice and for an end to cuts in public services,” she added.