DUP MLA likens prolonged school closures in NI to "child abuse"

by Q Radio News

A Stormont assembly member has likened the prolonged closure of schools in Northern Ireland as equivalent to "child abuse".

An angry Paul Givan made the claim during a debate in the assembly. 

As of yesterday, schools closed for two weeks in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus after ministers agreed to extend the Halloween break by one week. 

Lagan Valley MLA Mr Givan said he was frustrated some members in the powersharing executive wanted to shut schools for four to six weeks. 

He said the impact of shutting schools was devastating on young people. 

"They are missing out on life chances.

"That is why I am so frustrated that some members of the executive wanted to shut our schools down for six weeks, then four weeks.

"I tell you, I'm looking at the impact this is having on children and it's child abuse what is taking place. 

"They are using children in the most appalling way." 

(DUP MLA Paul Givan adddressing NI assembly, giving way to SF MLA Colm Gildernew)

Mr Givan said he asked the Chief Medical Officer for evidence showing schools here shouldn't remain open. 

"It's not because of what happens in the school; concerns about what goes on about the gate, concerns about the transport when it comes to the buses. 

"Also, and this alarms me even more closing down our schools has a wider behavioural impact on society that they then would take it more serious."

Mr Givan's comments came only one day after his party colleague and Education Minister Peter Weir stated almost 1,500 covid-19 cases have been ideniftied in schools in Northern Ireland since they reopened. 

This was pointed out by Chair of the Health Committee, Sinn Fein's Colm Gildernew who asked Mr Givan did he acknowledge the statement by Minister Weir.