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O’Dowd welcomes £120million boost for education

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has welcomed the decision of the Executive to provide additional funding of £120million over the next three years.
~ Thursday, 12 January 2012

The decision – which follows talks convened by the First and Deputy First Minister - will see an additional allocation of £30million/£15million/£75million, from the 2012/13 financial year on, going straight into school budgets.

Speaking following the announcement, the Minister said: “Since my appointment as Education Minister I have consistently highlighted the fact that that the education budget faces unprecedented financial challenges over the next three years. I said that I would argue the case with Executive colleagues for further investment to help alleviate pressures on school budgets.

“I am extremely pleased, therefore, that my arguments have been listened to and welcome the additional allocations over the next three years of £30million/£15million/£75million , as confirmed today by the Finance Minister.

“This will be welcome news for schools, however it is important to stress that these additional funds have not completely eradicated the pressures bearing down on them.

“In my Statement to the Assembly last September ‘Putting Pupils First: Shaping our Future’, I announced a very significant programme of transformational change involving the viability audit and area planning to ensure that we have an effective and efficient education system. Clearly the establishment of the Education & Skills Authority next year will also be a key factor.

“It is crucial that we continue to deliver these key strategic initiatives and I intend to work with all key stakeholders to ensure that these are fully delivered. By doing so we can provide every child with the world-class education they deserve.”

Notes to editors:

  1. Watch video from the Department of Education on our YouTube channel.
  2. Media queries, contact the Department of Education’s Communications Team on Tel No: 028 9127 9701. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440.