October 22, 2021
Minister must resolve crisis facing special schools ­– Sheehan

Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has urged the education minister to get to grips with the staffing crisis currently facing our special schools.

 Speaking following an emergency appeal from a substitute teacher body, the West Belfast MLA said:

 “I am deeply concerned at reports that some special schools have had to close early for the mid-term due to staff absences and a lack of available substitute cover.

“Accessing appropriately qualified teachers for special schools has been a long-running problem throughout the pandemic and successive DUP Education Ministers have failed to get to grips with the issue.

“That failure means that our special school leaders are left with no choice but to close, it’s now up to the Minister to get a plan in place to support these schools in the days ahead to ensure they can re-open safely after the mid-term.

“The disruption to education during the pandemic has severely impacted children with special educational needs.

“It’s vital these schools are supported to remain open, and that further disruption is kept to an absolute minimum.

“I will be writing to the Education Minister today to raise this issue and to get clarity on how she intends to resolve this.” Críoch/Ends

Follow us online

Latest Tweets

The price of this Government in office is an extra €3,800 per year on your rent.

As rents hit an all time high we need:

📈 3 year ban on rent increases;
💶 1 month's rent back in renters' pocket;
🏘️ More affordable properties to rent or buy

– @PearseDoherty

Tonight’s game at Windsor Park is testament to the incredible growth and development of women’s football across the island.

Every player on the pitch this evening is a role model for women’s football, and an inspiration to our next generation of athletes.

We must continue to…

📺 Sinn Féin spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment @loreillysf will be live on @TonightVMTV this evening, from 10:30pm.

Watch here: https://www.virginmediatelevision.ie/player/live/virgin-media-one/

#TonightVMTV

British government failure to engage with transport unions is unacceptable - @DeclanKearneySF.

"Public transport workers provide an essential service in our society and they deserve a proper pay settlement, as well as our solidarity and support."

Load More