LISTEN: Stormont to be recalled over school reopening plan

By Q Radio News

Over 30 MLAs have backed a recall for the Stormont Assembly to return from its Christmas recess tomorrow to urge the Education Minister tor rethink their plans for reopening schools next week.

The SDLP' Education Spokesperson, Daniel McCrossan MLA has said that there is serious concern at the prospect of schools reopening next week, given the numbers of COVID-19 cases and presence of a new variant.

The West Tyrone MLA commented:

Daniel McCrossan speaking to Q Radio

“I welcome the support of Assembly colleagues for a recall petition and tomorrow, SDLP MLAs will be robustly challenging Minister Weir on his failure to act to provide vital safety assurances, ahead of schools reopening next week.” 

“With a huge rise in covid-19 levels across our community, the fact that schools across the North are due to return in just days is deeply concerning.” 

“Pupils, parents and teachers are extremely anxious and there has been a lack of clarity and support to reassure them and assist. For weeks now, the SDLP has urged the Minister to provide this support to our school leaders and he has failed to do so.” 

“It is now essential that the Minister for Education outlines the medical and scientific evidence he has used to dogmatically rule out an extended school holiday.” 

“It is unfortunate that the Minister for Education needs to be dragged before the Assembly, instead of taking proactive action. The SDLP will ensure that pupils, parents and teachers have the answers and assurances they need.” 

“People have the right to know if it is safe for pupils and teachers to return to school next week and the SDLP will ensure that the Minister for Education can no longer ignore taking action."

Sinn Féin have also backed the recall with the party’s education spokesperson, Karen Mullan saying: 

“With the dramatic rise in the numbers people testing positive for Covid19, Minister Peter Weir should review his position on the re-opening of schools and ensure protections are in place to ensure the safety of everyone in our school community. 

“Pupils, parents, teachers and school staff are rightly worried about the scheduled opening of schools next week. 

“The Minister needs to clearly spell out what work he has done with the Department of Health to protect our school community from the current rapid spread of Covid19.

Karen Mullan

“I am calling on the Minister to outline what scientific and health advice his department has received and whether he will consider taking additional mitigations, if recommended in the health and scientific advice.