Don’t use funding for essential school services as “bargaining tool” – Archibald

SINN Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said that proposals put forward by the Education Authority to cut essential school services are unacceptable.

She was commenting following the proposals announced by the Education Authority.

The East Derry MLA said: “There have been proposals put forward by the Education Authority to cut school crossing patrols and school uniform grants.

“Sinn Féin has consistently challenged these proposals through direct engagement with the both the Department of Education and the Authority.

“We welcome reports that the Authority are no longer pursuing these proposals.

“It is absolutely vital that vulnerable children and families are protected and are given the essential education services they need.

“I am becoming considerably concerned that funding for these services is being used as a bargaining tool by the authority with the Department.

“We are all too aware of the financial challenges within education but this is not the way to resolve these matters,” added the Sinn Fein spokesperson on Higher and Further Education.

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