Academic Selection Is 'not Delivering For Our Young People' – SDLP

The SDLP has warned that academic selection is "not delivering for our young people".

West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan was speaking after a Stranmillis College study revealed that the cancellation of transfer tests in 2021 made little difference to the pupil intake of grammar schools.

The SDLP has long been campaigning for an end to academic selection in the North.

During the last mandate, an SDLP motion to replace the current system with one which prioritised educational excellence for all without academic selection was passed by Stormont.

West Tyrone MLA Mr McCrossan said: "For well over a decade the SDLP has been calling for an end to academic selection at schools across the North. It has been proven time and time again that the current system does not deliver the best results for all our young people, or a level playing field that enables each and every pupil to realise their full potential in an environment that best suits their needs.

"This research from Noel Purdy and his team at Stranmillis College shows that the issues we are experiencing are not as simple as ending the transfer test. If we are truly to address the problems in our education system then we need a cultural change that compels schools to treat every pupil equally based on their own unique abilities and talents.

"We cannot continue to support a system that leaves young people behind based on their background, their special educational needs or a test which puts enormous pressure on them at the ages of 10 and 11-years-old. What we need to see is reform and investment across our education system that creates equality of opportunity and the chance for every young person to be the best that they can be."

Alliance Condemns Aggression Towards Emergency Workers

Alliance Health Spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw, has said she is "appalled" to hear from ambulance crews and emergency workers of a rise in aggression towards them.

Following an online petition calling for the extension of Harper's Law to Northern Ireland, started by a former nurse, Paula Bradshaw has called for a crackdown on those who assault emergency workers.

The South Belfast MLA stated: "It is utterly appalling to hear that public servants in the front line are being subjected to physical and sexual assault while going about their work. It is inexcusable that any public servant should have to face such aggression.

"The public owes emergency responders a huge debt of gratitude not just for what they do, but for what they have to put up with. However, we need to go beyond gratitude and ensure consequences for those engaging in attacks on emergency responders.

"The fact is that, understandably, assaults lead to public servants having to take time off work, fewer crews being available and greater suffering across our entire society.

"Any public servant in whatever line of work has the same right as anyone else to go to work free from fear of assault or aggression. We all have a responsibility to ensure that is what happens."

SF Calls For 'Immediate Restoration' Of The NI Executive

Sinn Féin have called for the immediate restoration of the Executive, with MP John Finucane highlight the "huge opportunities to strengthen the economy and create better jobs".

The North Belfast MP said: "The negotiation between the EU and the British government has concluded. It’s now time to move forward.

"We need the Assembly and Executive restored and parties working together to tackle the problems in our health service and deliver for workers, families and businesses.

"Ten months ago, the people voted in a democratic Assembly election, yet no power-sharing coalition government has yet been formed.

"The democratic outcome of that election must be respected.

"The onus is now on the British and Irish governments, the Stormont parties, not least the DUP, to get back to business and form a government which will support families and workers

"The Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee formally meets in London on 24 March to adopt the deal into EU law, and as we move to implementation stage it is imperative that the Good Friday Agreement institutions are fully restored."