McGlone Condemns Robinson’s
‘ill-advised’ remarks on Catholic Schools
SDLP deputy leader, Patsy McGlone, has
criticised DUP leader Peter Robinson’s call to end state funding of Catholic
schools. Commenting on Mr Robinson's speech the MLA for Mid Ulster said, “At
a time when the political impasse around post-primary transfer continues to
cause chaos and confusion, Peter Robinson’s ill-advised remarks on the
funding of Catholic Schools do not serve the best interests of our children.
“The SDLP believes strongly in parental choice in education, be it Catholic,
maintained, integrated or Irish medium education.
“Everyone in education recognises that there is a need for greater sharing
and integration of the schools estate. This is being addressed through local
learning communities and area-based planning, and good progress has been
made.
“However, Catholic parents value the excellent education provided in
Catholic schools and they want it for their children. This is not a
contentious issue in more settled societies including Britain. Even parents
who do not share the religious ethos of a faith-based school often choose to
send their children there because they recognise the added educational value
of an ethos.
“Of course Catholic schools should continue to be funded, and of course
there is a duty on them to ensure that they engage with other sectors to
plan the sharing of the education estate and curricular provision.
“But the DUP has blocked the establishment of the single education authority
which would save £20m pounds annually for front line education services at a
time when finances are under pressure.
“The place to widen the discussion on sharing in the education system was
the Cohesion Sharing and Integration strategy recently published by OFMDFM.
But, after three years in the making, that document says absolutely nothing
about shared education.
“Mr Robinson has taken the wrong approach if he really intended to promote
sharing and integration. His intervention has caused anger rather than
agreement.”
ENDS
