Alliance Calls For Greater Support For Integrated Schools

Michelle Guy MLA of the Alliance Party has stated that the path for schools wishing to become integrated should not be an "uphill battle". Her remarks follow the publication of a Queen’s University report, 'Strengths and Weaknesses of the Integrated Education Transformation Process', which details the difficulties schools face in obtaining integrated status. Ms Guy emphasised that there is considerable demand for integrated education in Northern Ireland, far exceeding current capacity.

The Lagan Valley MLA highlighted the report's findings, which include insufficient financial support for transforming schools, an overly complex application process, and prolonged waiting times for decisions from the Department of Education and the Education Authority. She criticised the Education Minister's approach, citing recent rejections of bids from Bangor Academy and Rathmore Primary to transform as examples of a lack of meaningful action.

Ms Guy asserted that the Department of Education has a statutory duty to encourage, facilitate, and support integrated education, and urged for this responsibility to be met with tangible efforts. She concluded by reaffirming Alliance's commitment to ensuring every young person has the opportunity to be educated in an integrated setting, promising to hold the Minister and his department accountable on this crucial issue.

SDLP Raises "Serious Concern" Over Tollymore Outdoor Centre Future

SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath has voiced serious concerns about the future of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre. His apprehension follows Sport NI's announcement that it will conduct a strategic review of the facility, which will remain closed during this period. Mr McGrath highlighted that the news of redundancy consultations with some staff does not instil confidence in the centre's eventual reopening, and he extended his thoughts to those affected.

While acknowledging the complications caused by recent storms and the significant running costs, Mr McGrath noted that Sport NI itself has previously stated the centre was not designed to be profit-making, but rather a crucial public resource. He emphasised Tollymore's unique role as the only facility of its kind on the island, supporting a wide range of outdoor activities like kayaking, rock climbing, and mountain biking, and providing specialist training unavailable elsewhere.

Mr McGrath concluded by stating that the SDLP will continue to engage with Sport NI and will make their position clear to the Communities Minister: the centre must remain open. He stressed the importance of protecting remaining community infrastructure, especially at a time when much of it is being removed.

Sinn Féin MP Calls For Action On Irish Medium Education Capacity

Sinn Féin MP Cathal Mallaghan has highlighted a pressing need to resolve capacity issues within Irish Medium Education (IME) in Northern Ireland. The Mid Ulster MP raised concerns after St Joseph’s in Donaghmore, the only IME provider in Mid Ulster, was forced to turn away 11 applicants due to insufficient accommodation.

Mr Mallaghan stressed that despite the "tremendous success" of Irish language primary schools, there has been inadequate planning to provide sufficient places for these students to transition into secondary Irish Medium Education. He noted that this situation is causing significant distress for families who have very limited options for their children to continue learning through Irish, sometimes within a 50-mile radius.

The MP called for a collaborative approach between the school and the Department of Education, reminding the Education Minister and his department of their legal duty to support Irish Medium Education. He underlined the urgency of the situation, with some affected children facing the beginning of the new school year next month without a school place.