Sinn Féin Urges Education Minister to Decline Israel Visit Invitation

Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan, the party's education spokesperson, has called on Education Minister Paul Givan to refuse a new official invitation to visit Israel in the new year.

Mr. Sheehan said the Minister should show moral leadership, decline the invitation, and focus on the crisis in local schools, arguing that considering another visit to "a state committing heinous acts of genocide against the Palestinian people, is indefensible."

He also referenced the recent no-confidence vote against the Minister by the Education Committee and a majority of MLAs.

DUP Welcomes New School Uniform Guidelines to Support Families DUP MLA Gary Middleton has welcomed the issuing of the new School Uniform Guidelines by DUP Education Minister Paul Givan, describing it as the delivery of a key DUP manifesto commitment. Middleton stated that the guidelines are about easing the burden of the rising cost of living on families by ensuring affordability is central to school uniform policy.

He praised the guidance for providing a fair framework, placing emphasis on consultation, minimizing branded items, and prioritising affordable, generic options.

SDLP Says Euro 2028 Draw Highlights Missed Opportunity to Host Games

SDLP Opposition Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA commented on the announcement that Belfast will host the Euro 2028 qualifying draw, calling it "galling" and stating it highlights the "huge missed opportunity" to hold games in Northern Ireland.

Durkan accused the Executive of squandering a "once in a lifetime chance" that would have provided hundreds of millions in economic boost, delivered a first-class stadium for the GAA in Ulster, and offered a major venue for west Belfast. He contrasted Belfast's draw role with Dublin hosting seven games.