Sinn Fein Foyle MLA Karen Mullan.
SINN Féin Foyle MLA Karen Mullan has welcomed confirmation that financial assistance to support the education of children from Syrian refugee families has now been received.
The party’s Education spokesperson said: “Under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme, the Home Office had committed to provide £4,500 a year towards each Syrian child’s education costs.
“However, for more than a year nothing was received.
“That was a completely unacceptable delay and a matter which I raised with the Home Office directly.
“I am pleased the Department of Education has now received almost £650,000 because it is only right that schools should get the funding they were promised to assist children who have endured so much hardship and upheaval.
“However, they should not have had to wait so long and I will continue to lobby and engage with the British Home Office to ensure there is no of repeat of this delay.
“I will also be seeking assurances from the department that all funds will be allocated directly to schools,” added the Foyle MLA.
