Schools' computer boost is welcome, but ending segregation would let us do more

11.37.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 24th May 2007

Alliance Education Spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA

Alliance Education Spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA has stated he is pleased that the Minister Caitríona Ruane has announced that 20,000 extra computers will be provided for local schools. However, he said that if segregation concerning our schools was ended, we would see far more of these initiatives because hundreds of millions of pounds would be freed-up every year to invest in new projects.

Opposition spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA said: "I strongly welcome the Minister's announcement; however, I call on her to end segregation in the education sector, to free up cash so we can provide more vital resources in schools.

"By having one integrated primary school in each town instead of two segregated ones, we could save hundreds of millions of pounds every year. This vital cash could be ploughed back into improving school resources and providing extra assistance for children with special educational needs.

"I am glad to see that the Minister is providing 20,000 extra computers for our local schools - for too long there has been under-investment in our local schools.

"I am sure that this announcement, along with her pledge to provide 3 million pounds for classroom resources, will boost local children and teachers alike."

ENDS