Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has said the education minister must urgently bring forward a plan which ‘puts the safety of children, parents and school staff first’. 

Speaking after successfully tabling a petition to recall the Assembly, the party’s education spokesperson said: 

“I welcome confirmation that the Assembly will now be recalled so that we can discuss how the Minister intends to keep our schools open in the safest possible manner.

“The priority for everyone needs to be on ensuring that our schools can function safely and that staff, children and parents are protected. 

“The Omicron variant and rising cases is increasing the pressure on school staff. 

“The education minister needs to come to the Assembly to set out a clear plan for keeping schools open which puts the safety of pupils, teachers and parents first and deals with the pressures on school staff caused by rising infection rates.”