Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has said the Education Minister and his Department must do more to support Irish-Medium education.

The West Belfast MLA said:

“Following listening to representatives from Irish-Medium schools, I challenged the Department of Education in committee today on their failure to properly invest in accommodation and other resources for Irish-Medium schools. 

“Some of these schools have been in so-called temporary accommodation for over twenty-five years, they have waited long enough for proper facilities. 

“Despite the challenges, Irish-Medium education continues to grow and flourish, and we now need a plan put in place to sustain and to support that growth going forward.

“That means investing in accommodation, training enough specialist subject teachers and ensuring the voices of those involved in Irish-Medium education have their voices heard when decisions are being taken by the Department of Education and the Education Authority.

“The Minister and his department have a legal duty to encourage and facilitate Irish Medium Education, Sinn Féin will continue to hold the Minister and his officials to account in relation to that.”