10/03/2017

Stormont Talks To Continue

NI Secretary of State James Brokenshire is to hold further talks with political parties in an effort to restore the power-sharing Executive.

Mr Brokenshire warned there could be a second election if the parties fail to reach a deal.

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong said unless a new Executive is formed, a major report into integrated education risks being lost.

The report, Integrating Education in Northern Ireland: Celebrating Inclusiveness and Fostering Innovation in our Schools, was completed in November but was only released last Thursday, on Assembly election polling day.

Among its recommendations are prioritising the accommodation needs of existing integrated schools, funding those schools which want to transform to integrated, the employment of dedicated integrated staff by the Education Authority and the carrying over of any unspent Fresh Start capital funding into future financial years.

Ms Armstrong said: "The release of this report on the day it came was clearly an attempt by the outgoing Minister to bury the recommendations, many of which back the findings of the consultation into my Bill. It is particularly galling the Minister decided to use this approach during Integrated Education Month.

"Unless there is a new Executive formed in the near future and an Education Minister in place who decides to show more commitment to integrated education in general and also the recommendations of this report, then it risks being lost."

(CD/LM)

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