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16/12/2004
Minister gives green light to Sure Start programme
Health Minister Angela Smith today announced that the temporary suspension on funding for Sure Start projects in Northern Ireland has been lifted.
Ms Smith said that the Sure Start schemes, which are aimed at helping the early development of children in deprived areas, were “a key plank in the Government’s strategy to give children a better start in life”.
“We know that what happens to children at the beginning of life can greatly affect the way they develop later on,” the Minister said. “For that reason, I believe it is vital that all our children have the best possible start in life. Their earliest experiences must be positive ones.
“I really welcome the fact that now that the in-year budget situation is clearer, I can lift the temporary hold on Sure Start sooner than anticipated. I was very keen that in particular, the two new important projects should go ahead as planned.
“These projects will be based in North Belfast and South Armagh and will bring a range of valuable services to local people.”
Sure Start was introduced in Northern Ireland in July 2000 with a budget of £4 million, which allowed the creation of 15 projects. This has now grown to 25 projects with an annual budget of £8.8 million.
The Department of Health recently imposed a temporary hold on the commencement of new services until the overall financial position becomes clearer, however this hold has now been lifted following today’s announcement.
(MB)
Ms Smith said that the Sure Start schemes, which are aimed at helping the early development of children in deprived areas, were “a key plank in the Government’s strategy to give children a better start in life”.
“We know that what happens to children at the beginning of life can greatly affect the way they develop later on,” the Minister said. “For that reason, I believe it is vital that all our children have the best possible start in life. Their earliest experiences must be positive ones.
“I really welcome the fact that now that the in-year budget situation is clearer, I can lift the temporary hold on Sure Start sooner than anticipated. I was very keen that in particular, the two new important projects should go ahead as planned.
“These projects will be based in North Belfast and South Armagh and will bring a range of valuable services to local people.”
Sure Start was introduced in Northern Ireland in July 2000 with a budget of £4 million, which allowed the creation of 15 projects. This has now grown to 25 projects with an annual budget of £8.8 million.
The Department of Health recently imposed a temporary hold on the commencement of new services until the overall financial position becomes clearer, however this hold has now been lifted following today’s announcement.
(MB)
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