Sinn Féin have today published a proposal for an economic stimulus plan for the tourism and hospitality sectors.
This plan - amounting to over €860 million - would revive two sectors hit hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic, providing a particular boost to counties and regions heavily dependent on tourism and hospitality.
Under this scheme, every adult in the State would receive a voucher worth €200, while every child would be entitled to a voucher worth €100, to be spent in businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport, Tourism and Sport Darren O'Rourke TD said:
“The tourism and hospitality sectors have been two of the hardest hit during the Covid-19 pandemic and urgent government intervention is required to support workers and families and to save jobs and businesses.
“Tourism is the State’s largest indigenous industry, employing 265,000 people, with 68% of these jobs outside of Dublin.
“Around 92% of workers in the accommodation and food sectors have received the Pandemic Unemployment Payment or have been on the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, while the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation is estimating a hit to the sector in the region of €3.5 billion in 2020.
“With restrictions on travel to the State remaining in place, Sinn Féin believes a substantial economic stimulus is urgently needed to revive these sectors. That is what we are proposing today.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD continued:
“As well as supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, this plan will give workers and families the welcome option of a break away or days out after what has been an extraordinarily difficult period.
“Similar stimulus plans have been introduced around the world. Italy has a similar plan to encourage people to holiday at home, Vienna is giving residents vouchers for restaurants in the city and the United States is distributing billions of dollars in stimulus cheques directly to residents.
“Our plan would see each adult receive a voucher worth €200 to be used in domestic businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors, while every child would be entitled to a voucher worth €100.
“This would be non-means tested and available to every resident in the State. That means it will assist those unable to afford a break, but also encourage those who can to spend their vouchers, plus more, in our local economies.
“This is an investment in jobs and businesses. Without intervention now, thousands of jobs will be lost permanently, costing the State considerably more in the long-run.”
Tonight the Sinn Féin Mayor of ABC council, Councillor Kevin Savage, exercised his discretion under the Borough’s standing orders to reject a divisive DUP motion that sought to rename the new state-of-the-art multi-million pound leisure centre.
Speaking after the meeting Group Leader Councillor Liam Mackle said:
“The DUP knowingly brought forward an 11th hour, divisive proposal to rename the landmark centre the Centenary Leisure Centre.
“The name had not been brought through the appropriate governance structures of council and sought to make a very important decision without any regard to the council's overriding obligations to engage, consult and equality assess any such decisions of such nature.
“This was a typical stunt from the DUP in the Craigavon area who are intent on stoking up division and tension.
“Due to open in October and with £40k already spent branding it as the South Lake Leisure Centre this is clear evidence of a DUP party in disarray. Their proposal could have been brought through the South Lake Leisure Centre Board at any time over the past five years. Citizens will see this publicity stunt for what it was.
“For many in our Borough partition is not something to celebrate and given the ratepayer funded the new centre the name must be acceptable to all.
“The Sinn Féin Mayor is determined that his term in office will be about bringing people together. We want ABC Borough to be a place where people want to live and do business, not a place of ridicule. As we try to rebuild our economy in the post COVID-19 era we need to focus all our energies on recovery. Not on some madcap divisive motion from the DUP.”
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew and Chair of the Health Committee said today he is deeply concerned that the entire board of the Health Regulator has resigned.
Colm Gildernew said:
“I am deeply concerned that the entire RQIA board felt it necessary to resign.
“I had sought details from the minister this morning on the ‘number’ of resignations referenced in his press statement last week but that appears to have been a gross understatement.
“I am calling on the Minister of Health to come forward and explain the circumstances which led to this unprecedented action by the health and social care regulator, in the middle of a public health pandemic.
“It is essential that the Minister of Health urgently explains to all the services and service users who rely on the RQIA to function, how the role of the regulator will continue to provide vital services to support and inspect health and social care services.”
Sinn Féin Seanadóir Elisha McCallion has said an Irish government fund to help businesses in the border area face the challenges of Brexit should apply on an-island basis.
Elisha McCallion said:
"The impact of the reckless British government Brexit agenda will be felt by businesses north and south but particularly by those in the border region.
"The Irish government have now announced details of a fund to support businesses working along the border and while this will be of benefit to some, the funding only applies to businesses in the 26 Counties.
"Many businesses on the northern side of the border, particularly small businesses, will also face an uncertain future as a result of Brexit and should also benefit from this support as much of their trade is on an all-island basis.
"The impact of Brexit does not stop at the border so support mechanisms put in place by the Irish government should not either.
"This is yet another example of the Irish government failing to uphold its pledge that citizens in the north will never again be left behind and is something I will be raising in the Seanad."
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Finance Pearse Doherty has today criticised the caretaker Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for promising another tax cut for the rich during a Fine Gael online conference yesterday.
The Donegal TD described the tax cut promise, which would cost €72 million a year, as another sign that Fine Gael would prioritise the interests of the wealthy over the needs of society in any future Government.
Teachta Doherty said: “Yesterday, during an online Fine Gael conference, Leo Varadkar promised to cut inheritance tax for high-wealth households - at a cost of approximately €72 million a year - in any future Government.
“Once again, it is clear that the priorities of Fine Gael in any future Government are not in health, housing or childcare.
"At a time of economic crisis, when every effort should be to transform our public services and protect incomes, Leo Varadkar has promised to remove all inheritance tax for individuals receiving gifts of over €400,000.
“This is not the change that people voted for, but yet another confirmation that Fine Gael plan to prioritise the wants of the wealthy above the needs of workers, families and our public services.
“The Programme for Government has promised a tax cut for self-employed earning over €100,000 at a cost of €125 million. One week later and Fine Gael promise another tax cut that will benefit the wealthiest in our society at a cost of €75 million a year.
“Instead of committing to deliver universal healthcare, solve the housing crisis, transform childcare and end the scourge of low pay, Fine Gael are determined to deliver tax cuts to the richest in our society.
“Sinn Féin will oppose the two-tier recovery this Programme for Government would deliver.”
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has said the concerns among the business community over the lack of certainty on post-Brexit trading arrangements expose the cavalier attitude of the British government to the economy of the north.
The Sinn Féin Brexit spokesperson said:
"The reckless British government Brexit policy has created huge uncertainty for the business community in the north and across the island.
"A new report from the Institute of Irish Studies at Liverpool University, in conjunction with the Centre for Cross Border Studies, has highlighted the concerns of businesses over the lack of guidance and information they have received on post-Brexit trading arrangements from the British government.
"This typifies the shambolic and cavalier approach of the British government when it comes to the impact of Brexit on the economy and trade in the north.
"Businesses need certainty on how they are going to be able to trade post-Brexit and need assurances the impact and cost of this disastrous policy which is being foisted upon us will be minimised.
"This once again shows the absolute necessity for the unique protections secured in the Irish Protocol to be maintained and implemented in order to protect the all-Ireland economy and the Good Friday Agreement."
Former Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has spoken of his “deep sense of personal loss and sadness” at the death of his friend of many years Bobby Storey.
Gerry Adams said:
“Ba mhaith liom mo chomhbrón a ghabháil le teaghlach Storey.
“Bobby Storey was a stalwart of the struggle for Irish freedom for almost 50 years. As a young teenager growing up in North Belfast he witnessed, like many others of his generation, the violence and bigotry of the Unionist state, and then of the British Army. The introduction of internment in August 1971 and the murder of 14 civil rights marchers in Derry in January 1972 were two huge influences on his young life. Big Bobby chose to make a stand against these injustices. He was interned aged seventeen, one of the youngest internees, and in the decades that followed he spent over 20 years in prison.
“Bobby had a sharp, insightful political mind. He embraced the opportunity for building the republican struggle and advancing our goal of Irish Unity created by the peace process. At countless republican meetings he spoke in favour of Sinn Féin’s peace strategy. And when, following years of negotiations, the potential emerged for republicans to engage with the new policing dispensation Bobby played a leadership role in persuading others to grasp this new opportunity.
“Bobby was one of the bravest people I have ever had the honour to know. Whether inside or outside of prison, or through the years of harassment and beatings, arrests and torture from the RUC and British Army, Big Bobby demonstrated time and time again his enormous personal commitment and courage.
“He was also one of the funniest people I know. Big Bobby made light of his stammer. He could hold a group spellbound with his stories of past escapades and derring do. His accounts of life in prison in England were hilarious. He was kind, thoughtful, oyal and very giving.
“Bobby was part of an amazing group of people who over recent decades have formed a cohesive, effective collective leadership. During his time as Chairperson of Belfast Sinn Féin and of the Sinn Féin organisation in the North, Sinn Féin grew in electoral strength and representation. Big Bobby was loved and respected. In recent years as he battled his illness Bobby remained cheerful.
“He refused to allow it to prevent him from functioning as an activist. Last year he took on the task of reorganising the Sinn Féin Art/book shop on the Falls Road. As ever there were no half measures. The place was gutted out, completely redesigned and he took a personal interest in deciding what items would be on the shelves and helped design some of them. No task was too small or too great.
“Big Bobby’s death is a huge political blow for republicans but is also a very personal loss for all of us who knew him. There were tears shed across Ireland as comrades got news of his death.
“On behalf of Colette and myself and our family I extend my sincerest and deepest sympathies and solidarity to Teresa, their children and grandchildren, his brothers Seamus and Brian, his sister Geraldine, his extended family circle and his many friends.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has expressed deep sadness at the death of Belfast republican Bobby Storey.
“It was with deep sadness that I learned today of the death of Bobby Storey.
“Bobby was a lifelong and very deeply committed Irish Republican whose passing will be received with great sadness by republicans throughout Ireland.
“Bobby was involved in republican activism for over forty years and suffered great hardship for his selfless dedication to his republican ideals.
“Born in Belfast, into a deeply sectarian state, Bobby, from a very young age, was the target of harassment by the British Army and RUC and spent over 20 years in prison, much of it on remand.
“He was interned without trial at just seventeen years of age, by which time he had been repeatedly arrested, brutalised and assaulted by members of the British army.
“Bobby was in Long Kesh internment camp when it was burned down and when prisoners were subjected to brutal attacks by the British military.
“A participant in the 1983 escape of political prisoners from the H-Blocks of Long Kesh, he was captured soon afterwards and spent more years in jail.
“A champion of the peace process, following his release from prison, Bobby played a prominent role in the development of Sinn Féin, serving as Chairperson of Sinn Féin in Belfast and then Chairperson of the party’s Six County Cúige.
“Bobby was extremely committed to the pursuit of a United Ireland with equality and social justice for all. He will be greatly missed.
'Today we have lost a great Republican. His loss will be felt by all who had the privilege to call him their friend
“On behalf of Sinn Féin I wish to extend my condolences and deepest sympathies to Bobby’s much loved partner Teresa, their children and grandchildren, his brothers Seamus and Brian, sister Geraldine and their many friends and comrades across Ireland.
“Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.”
“It is with deep regret and profound sadness that we have learned of the passing away of our much valued and loved friend and comrade, Bobby Storey.
“Bobby Storey was a lifelong republican activist, former IRA prisoner and escapee and longstanding member of Sinn Féin who played a vital role in developing the peace and political process over the past two decades
.“He was a committed, selfless comrade whose contribution to the struggle for national liberation earned him the full respect of his generation.
“He was an enduring tower of strength and will be deeply missed by us all.
“On behalf of republicans everywhere I extend my sincere solidarity and condolences to his much loved partner Teresa, their children and grandchildren, his brothers Seamus and Brian, sister Geraldine, and their many friends and comrades throughout Ireland.
“I measc laochra na nGael go raibh a anam dílis.
“The party will announce details on arrangements in due course.”
North Belfast MP John Finucane has called today on local political and community leaders to show leadership against attempts to mark out territory, intimidate residents and stoke up sectarian tension.
John Finucane was speaking after a number of incidents this week which has seen residents as well as people using council facilities bring intimidated.
John Finucane said:
“Last weekend we had a banner erected at the Grove Playing fields attempting to intimidate members of the GAA from using a shared council facility.
“This was followed up by the intimidation of Catholic families and soccer players off the facility.
“This is a shared space owned by the council and which everyone should be able to use free from sectarian intimidation and harassment.
“Unfortunately these are not isolated incidents and there seems to be a concerted attempt going on to claim territory in clearly shared spaces, to intimidate residents and stoke up sectarian tensions in other areas of north Belfast.
“Cars were attacked last weekend, and residents are being abused as flags are erected in mixed areas of North Belfast.
“The police have a role in ensuring that residents remain safe in the face of sectarian harassment but there is also an onus on all community and political leaders to show leadership, to condemn these actions and do all in their power to bring them to an end.”
Sinn Féin TD Darren O'Rourke has welcomed the announcement of a funding package of up to €70 million for sport, saying the money should be allocated swiftly and, in the first instance, to those areas in most need.
He said;
"This funding package of up to €70 million for sports is welcome. It is something that Sinn Féin has consistently called for and has the potential to go some way towards addressing the financial challenges faced by clubs and leagues as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"The pandemic has served to highlight the importance of sport and sporting organisations to the social fabric of Ireland.
"This funding should mark the beginning of an ongoing and wholehearted commitment by government to the sector. In the first instance, the funding should be directed to those areas most in need and it is vital that funding is allocated quickly and fairly."
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said businesses should be able to utilise outdoor space as they re-open to help implement social distancing.
The East Derry MLA said:
"I had a positive meeting with the Chief Executive of Causeway Coast and Glens Council and local business owners to discuss the potential of hospitality businesses utilising outdoor spaces as they re-open.
"It is positive that businesses have been given a date for re-opening. However, it will be a challenge for businesses to implement social distancing. Therefore it only makes sense that they can use outdoor space either directly adjacent or close by their premises.
"There is legislation that provides for businesses to obtain a Pavement Café Licence and councils have been provided with guidance on the planning considerations.
"It will be important to ensure that disability discrimination legislation is properly taken account of in the granting of licences.
"On the north coast, including in Portstewart and Portrush as well as other towns across Causeway Coast and Glens, there is great potential for the development of a café culture and I would encourage the council to consider creative proposals around this."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire has expressed concern about the rollout of the Summer Provision Scheme.
Speaking today, Deputy Ó Laoghaire said that it was essential that as many children as possible could avail of this scheme, and that urgent clarity was needed from the Department to ensure that schools, teachers and SNAs could provide it.
Teachta Ó Laoghaire said: “Children with special educational needs are among those who have suffered the most from the lockdown. Their routine has been turned upside down and the lack of socialisation has affected them deeply. It has also been extremely difficult for their parents.
"Despite huge efforts from parents, children and teachers, there is no doubt that the lack of schooling has seen children fall back.
"These children need to be the first priority for the Department of Education as we return to schooling.
"A Summer Provision Programme is crucial to give these children the chance to recover some lost ground, to provide socialisation and stimulation.
"Parents need relief too. Many are getting in contact with me expressing alarm and concern that they cannot find a place in a school, or a tutor for home-based Summer Provision.
"Schools are in an impossible position because they don’t have any of the detail they need around health and safety protocols or guidelines.
"They also cannot organise insurance or transport because of this either. So many schools are not yet in a position to offer the programme. Likewise, many teachers and SNAs are also concerned about the lack of detail.
"There seems to have been no capacity planning done. I am concerned the preparation hasn’t been done. Schools, families and teachers haven’t been in a position to organise this programme.
"I am deeply worried that many families will end up disappointed as they will not be able to find themselves a programme or a place for their child.
"The Government may try to shift the blame on to the schools, but the reality is that it will be because of their failure to plan for this scheme.
"The Minister needs to bring forward the guidelines and protocols as soon as possible, so that the number of spaces available can be maximised and that the largest possible number of children can avail of it.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, has criticised the government for only extending the ban on rent increases and evictions by one month.
Teachta Ó Broin said: “I am deeply disappointed that the government has only announced a one-month extension to the ban on rent increases and evictions.
"This falls far short of the length of time needed to ensure renters are protected.
“Minister Murphy had the power to extend it by a full three months and chose not to.
“It is Sinn Féin’s view that these protections should be extended until at least the end of the year.
“The ban currently in place has dramatically reduced the number of families entering homeless services.
“It has also protected tenants who have lost employment who may have had trouble meeting rental costs.
“We need this ban extended and we need to see a debt resolution mechanism established.”
The HIQA report into Dealgan Nursing Home is to be completed by inspectors in the next three weeks, it has been revealed.
It is understood that a number of families, whose loved ones died in Dealgan House during the Covid-19 outbreak in April and May, were contacted by HIQA this week and informed that the report is nearing completion. Last month, inspectors from the health watchdog carried out an inspection at the Toberona nursing home after 22 people were reported to have died from Covid-19 there.
The draft report will be sent to Dealgan House management by HIQA for comment and reply ahead of its finalised publication.
The final report will also be sent to Health Minister Simon Harris, after the issue was raised in Leinster House by Dundalk TD Ruairí Ó Murchú.
The families who made contact with HIQA in May were spoken to by inspectors and their testimonies were noted by them.
It is also understood that HIQA will contact the families they spoke to about the report and will write to them individually about the specific concerns and worries they raised.
In addition, it is believed this is the first report of its kind by HIQA where inspectors took into account testimony from relatives about prior issues at a nursing home.
Deputy Ó Murchú, who questioned HIQA and HSE representatives at the Dáil’s special Covid-19 committee about Dealgan House, said;
"I welcome the progress made by HIQA, but he believed there were families who still had not come forward to talk to inspectors about their loved ones’ deaths.
"It is good news that HIQA will be sending the report to Dealgan House for comment and it will be published in the coming weeks. It is progress for families who have told me they were happy with the way HIQA listened to their stories.
‘Minister Harris has previously stated that he will read the HIQA report about Dealgan House before deciding the next step, but it remains the families’ firm view that an inquiry is needed into what happened here.
‘In addition, I would urge any family whose loved one was affected by Covid-19 in Dealgan House to get in contact with HIQA as soon as possible in order to have their testimony considered.
‘I have been informed by HIQA this week that they are still happy to receive testimony from families and HIQA can be contacted on email at [email protected] and at 021 2409646."
The Sinn Féin TD added that he has recently written to HIQA to ask them to ensure that the testimony of the Dundalk families is ‘warehoused’ and preserved so that it can be used in any future inquiry.
Serious concerns about the future of students on a social care course at DkIT have been raised by Sinn Féin TD for Louth Ruairí Ó Murchú.
Around 42 students who have just completed third year of the college’s Social Care course logged onto the examinations results system at DkiT last Tuesday to find their results for the year had been ‘deferred’. It is understood the issue centres around placement hours, which are a course requirement set down by the social care sector’s oversight body, CORU.
Teachta Ó Murchú said;
"Because of Covid-19, the students were unable to complete their entire placement hours in April and May and the college offered alternative assessment methods.
"The students said they believed they would be graded and moved into their fourth and final Level 8 degree year in September, but they were ‘stunned’ to see their grade had been deferred.
"In addition, they were told that because of a college error in their second year, a further 100 hours of placement would have to completed in 2021, on top of the hours deferred because of Covid-19.
"I have written to the Ministers for Health and Education after receiving a number of representations to his office about how the matter unfolded this week and he has also written to DkIT president, Dr Michael Mulvey.
"A number of students have contacted my office about this issue and are deeply upset and worried about what has happened.
"The students who wish to go for a Level 8 degree are very worried about how they are going to complete this huge chunk of placement hours, on top of completing their final year assignments and thesis.
"What is particularly concerning is that the students believed that the alternative assessments that they completed during lockdown were in lieu of the placement hours for 2020, but now it seems they weren’t.
"On top of that is the startling news that a further 100 hours were not completed in second year, again, without the students’ knowledge.
"I have written to the Ministers with responsibility in the education and social care areas, asking them to intervene in this situation so that there is a satisfactory outcome for the students.
"I have also contacted Dr Mulvey to ask him to investigate what has gone on here and see if solutions can be found."
Sinn Féin TD Darren O’Rourke has called on the government to intervene in the escalating crisis at Aer Lingus. His comments come as Aer Lingus has announced this evening that they are seeking 500 redundancies at the airline.
Speaking this evening, Teachta O’Rourke said;
“This is very concerning news coming from Aer Lingus this evening that will only add to the stress and anxiety of workers at the airline.
“The pandemic has obviously had a major impact on the airline industry, but the government here have taken a complete hands-off approach to dealing with it.
“We have raised the escalating situation at the airline repeatedly with the Minister for Transport, Shane Ross, however it seems that Minister has checked out of his brief already. He has done nothing to address the escalating crisis in the sector.
“The Fine Gael/Labour government should never have sold off the State’s remaining shares in Aer Lingus in 2015, and unfortunately the consequences of this are now coming to the fore.
“This week a report from the House of Commons Transport Committee called IAG’s treatment of workers at British Airways a ‘national disgrace’. The very same can be said for IAG’s treatment of workers at Aer Lingus here.
“IAG reported operating profits of €3.2 billion in 2019 alone and have substantial financial reserves. The coronavirus pandemic cannot be used as a cover to slash the pay and conditions of workers at Aer Lingus.
“The Irish government have given Aer Lingus substantial financial assistance through the Wage Subsidy Scheme and also with contracts to deliver PPE from China. The government here also continues to hold a share interest in Aer Lingus relating to landing slots.
“The government need to intervene in this situation and use their influence to protect workers, their jobs and their pay and conditions.”
Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey has welcomed a commitment by the Planning Service to make a recommendation on the planning application for Casement Park to the Minister for Infrastructure by the end of summer following a meeting between Sinn Féin and the planners.
Speaking the West Belfast MP said:
“I led a Sinn Féin delegation consisting of John Finucane MP and Sinead Ennis MLA to meet with the Planning Service to receive an update on the Casement Park redevelopment project.
“We sought assurances that the project will be prioritised and that the planning recommendation will be made before the end of Summer.
“I was delighted that the planners were in a position to confirm
that they anticipate the recommendation in the next months.
“The Casement Park project is already far too long overdue.
"Gaels across the North and the people of West Belfast deserve so much better than the current derelict site.
“Sinn Féin will continue to work tirelessly with the GAA, relevant governmental departments and the local community to ensure a new state of the art Casement Park is delivered.
“I remain absolutely determined to see the final part of the stadium jigsaw completed and will do all in my power to bring about the realisation of a new and modern fit-for-purpose Casement Park built in the heart of West Belfast.”
Sinn Féin Party Group Leader on Belfast City Council has called on political parties to stop putting rights for the Irish language community on the long finger following the Alliance Party, Green Party and DUP uniting to defer a vote on a new bilingual signage policy for the council.
Speaking Councillor Beattie said:
“Belfast City Council has one of the most restrictive policies of any council in the North in regards to bilingual street signage policy.
“At present, 2/3rds of the total electorate in the street need to consent. If a letter is not returned or the resident responds without expressing an opinion for and against this response is considered by the Council as a rejection of bilingual signage proposal.
“Sinn Féin proposed to amend the bilingual street signage policy to require 50+1% of the street to agree and for non-respondents and responses which don’t express an opinion to be considered void.
“Unfortunately, the Alliance Party, DUP and Green Party united to defer a vote on this proposal.
“This is shameful and again reflects a refusal of these parties within council to deal with this rights-based issue.
“Rights and recognition for the Irish language community cannot be put on the long finger. This is unacceptable and cannot continue.
“There is no space for fence sitting on rights, you either support rights and recognition for the Irish language community or you do not.
“Belfast City Council’s language strategy refers to increasing the visibility of the Irish Language in our city. We must do more than pay lip service to this.
"Sinn Féin will continue to work proactively within Belfast City Council to ensure that this issue is resolved."
Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has welcomed the Education Minister’s announcement of dates for the scheduled reopening of schools.
The Party’s Education Spokesperson said:
“I welcome yesterday’s announcement from the Minister on the scheduled re-opening of schools on 24 August.
“School leaders, teaching and non-teaching staff as well as parents and young people have been left in limbo to date with very little information or guidance coming from the Department of Education about what the new school day will look like.
“While there are still questions outstanding and much guidance still required, this is a positive step and will help schools to start the planning and preparation for a new school year.
“Our teachers and principals have been involved in fantastic work, delivering remote learning and also providing supervised learning for the children of key workers.
“I am glad the Minister has changed his mind and moved the start date for P7, year 12 and year 14 pupils from the 17th to the 24th of August. Our teaching staff deserve a break.
“I will continue to work with the Minister and his Department to ensure our schools are given the support they need and to give confidence to parents and families in advance of the new school year.”
