Call For SEN Children To Get The Support they Need

The SDLP is calling for children with special educational needs (SEN) to get the educational support they need.

West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan was speaking after parents detailed their fight to get the proper help and support for their children.

He said: "For years we have been highlighting how pupils with SEN have been repeatedly failed by the EA. I know first-hand from working with them how distressing it is for parents and young people not to receive the support they need at school and the long struggle to get help takes a serious toll on many families.

"Reports that the EA has conceded the vast majority of appeals brought by parents of SEN children are damning and shows clearly that the current assessment process is utterly unfit for purpose. Having a child with SEN brings many unique challenges and we should not be forcing parents to fight to ensure that their child is getting the right support in school.

"It has been clear for some time that our education system needs to completely overhaul the way it deals with children with SEN. The current system is having a negative impact on the lives of thousands of children and their families and excuses and promises of reform mean little to those who are at the end of their tether as a result of this process.

"The EA have committed to transforming the way they deal with SEN and we will keep holding them accountable until we see real change that ensures no family is forced to take extensive action to secure the best educational experience for their child."

'Now Is The Time To Grasp Economic Opportunities' - O'Neill

First Minister Elect Michelle O'Neill told business leaders now is the time to grasp the economic opportunities presented through access to the British and EU single markets.

She was speaking at an event organised by the Belfast Chamber of Commerce in the Europa Hotel.

She said: "I welcome the negotiated outcome agreed by the European Commission and Westminster government last week.

"We must now grasp our unique and unparalleled access to both the EU and British markets, which gives us real economic momentum and competitive advantage.

"The deal is now done. It is time to get back to business.

"There is a particular onus now on the DUP to get back on board and make politics work.

"The eyes of the world are on us as we mark 25 years in April of transformative peace on this island, and the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

"If we are to grasp these opportunities, we need a functioning Executive. And time is of the essence.

"A restored Executive will have three economic priorities, implementing the profound changes needed to turn round Invest NI, tackling skills shortages and providing affordable child care.

"Despite the challenges I'm genuinely optimistic about our ability to make progress on these issues."

NI Affairs Committee To Hold Inquiry Into Public Finances

East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson has welcomed an announcement that the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee at Westminster is to hold an inquiry into public finances in Northern Ireland, including the effectiveness of the Barnett formula.

He said: "When Westminster considered NIs budget earlier this year, I highlighted the precarious and structural underfunding of our public finances.

"Often characterised as a short-term issue affected by in year decisions, I fear few realise that the situation is dire and only set to get worse.

"Starkly, unless public spending is refocused to take account of need, public services will be undeliverable by 2030.

"I wrote to the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee and asked that they commence their inquiry. I'm delighted they've agreed and see this as an important first time in both raising awareness and commencing the crucial task of ensuring Government recognise they need to act.

"Nothing short of a full review of the Barnett Formula to take account of actual need will suffice."