McGrath Tackles Party Chiefs On School Budgets

SDLP Education Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has written to the all party leaders seeking political agreement on the way forward for school budgets.

Speaking after meeting with principals and the Permanent Secretary at the Department for Education, Mr McGrath said: “The message I’m hearing from school principals is that we are at breaking point.

South Down MLA Colin McGrath

“School budgets have already been cut to the bone – any further reductions will have a disastrous impact on the quality of education our young people receive.

“That was put in the strongest possible terms to the Permanent Secretary this morning.

“What’s needed now is political consensus. That’s why I’m writing to the all the main party leaders to seek a meeting to discuss the way forward for school resourcing.

“We need to get this right. The wellbeing of our children must be a priority for every elected representative.

“The SDLP will continue to make it a priority and we will continue to seek resolution to the coming crisis.”