BUDGET cuts facing the Education Department should not be imposed on front-line services or vulnerable children, Sinn Féin’s Karen Mullan has said.The party’s Education spokesperson was speaking after meeting with Department officials who have warned of potential cuts across the full range of education services.
Said the Foyle MLA: “We made it clear that cuts directed towards services and programmes which currently support vulnerable children and families will not be tolerated, including any potential cuts to Special Educational Needs or uniform grants,” Karen Mullan commented.
“While we appreciate the pressure on all departments as a result of austerity cuts imposed by the Tories and supported by the DUP, these should not be foisted on children and families who are in greatest need of support.
“The Department should be ensuring that all spending plans are rigorously equality proofed in order to protect those in greatest need.
“They should also be exploring alternative options rather than a simple ‘top-slice’ approach to spending cuts.
“Sinn Féin believes there are alternatives available and we have made a detailed submission to the department outlining our concerns and proposals,” she added.
