North Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA Robin Swann has questioned the motives behind the NEELB's decision to withdraw school bus routes in rural areas.
"In February of this year the NEELB presented the Education Minister with a viability audit of primary schools in the NEELB area. Using anumber of criteria this report was to form the basis of consultation and discussion about primary school provision. Now after the end of the school yearand when the Assembly has risen for the summer break, limiting the ability of MLA's to scrutinise departmental decisions, the NEELB has withdrawn school transport for primary schools across the area.
Having received a large number of representations from concerned parents, it is evident that in some areas this will impact further on the school enrolment numbers and in the NEELB's eyes justifies questioning the viability of the school. Given the timing of these cancellations and the implications for schools, I can only conclude that the NEELB and theDepartment have moved to implement Ministerial decisions on the future of primary schools before parents, teachers and elected representatives have beenproperly informed or consulted."