Speaking after today's announcement of the Executive's package to deal with the impact of the economic downturn here the Minister said; "I am pleased to announce an additional £4 million to be spent on maintenance work in our schools in this financial year and a further £2.6 million to meet the costs of part time youth workers."
Welcoming the additional funding being made available for youth workers, the Minister said; "I have seen first hand the excellent work that goes on within communities across the north, both centre based and outreach work and it is important that we recognise the valuable contribution that these workers make in dealing with some of the most vulnerable children and young people in our society."
On maintenance the Minister said; "This funding is important and will help address some of the much needed maintenance work in schools right across the north of Ireland and at the same time, will help many of the smaller construction companies during these current difficult economic times.
"In addition to this, we will continue to progress capital projects across the education sector as part of the schools' modernisation programme to ensure that these are delivered quickly and not held up for a lengthy period while the High Court judgement on the Major Works Framework is being assessed."
The Minister went on to say: "My Department is drawing up an alternative procurement approach outside the framework so that we avoid prolonged delays in delivering projects which are ready to enter the procurement stage."
The Minister said this would mean projects could move forward through individual procurement exercises and that this approach would also help provide much needed support to the construction industry.
The Minister said she was committed to continue to fight for additional funding at every opportunity for the benefit of the education sector.
Notes to Editors:
- Media queries to the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9755. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned
