Danny Kinahan MLA, Vice-Chair of the Education Committee has said he is appalled at the Education Ministers attempts to use an Assembly motion on pre-school nursery places to attack on those who are unemployed or socially disadvantaged.
“Some of the Minister’s comments during today’s debate were uncalled for considering it is his Department which has taken a very narrow view over the allocation of pre-school places. He seemed to imply during the debate that his Party is the only one looking after the interests of children from socially disadvantaged areas.’
“Like everything in government there is a balance to be struck and I believe it is important that the Minister takes a much broader look at pre-school places rather than focusing in on children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.’
“Currently the balance in the allocation of pre-school places is not even and this has made the process very messy. The July/August birth-rate preference must be resolved to ensure that no child is discriminated against. The educational opportunities that befall a child at a young age can have a life changing effect on them, so it is vital that the problems with the allocation of pre-school places in Northern Ireland are resolved as quickly as possible.’
“The Ulster Unionist Party is fully committed to ensuring that Northern Ireland continues to maintain the highest levels of education. We believe in parental choice and will continue to push for the current practice to be reviewed.’
