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McDevitt: O’Dowd masking school closure hit lists as Viability Audit

SDLP Education spokesperson Conall McDevitt MLA has expressed concern that the Department of Education’s Viability Audit has become a hit list for school closures.

Fri 27th January

Speaking after the revelation that the Education Minister has asked Education and Library Boards to redo the viability audits, Mr McDevitt said:

“We have learned from media reports today that one of the reasons why Minister O’Dowd has rejected the audit submitted by the boards is because they do not include recommendations for school closures.

“This is despite numerous denials by the Minister in the Assembly that the viability audits were not about identifying schools for closure.

“This will further raise public questions about his real motive behind these audits and will undermine public confidence in boards and the Department of Education.

“Parents and teachers are extremely concerned at the Viability Audit process. However, worryingly, there seems to be little indication that these concerns are being taken seriously by the Minister or his officials.”

Conall McDevitt MLA

Email c.mcdevitt@sdlp.ie
Tel 028 9068 3535

Press Office

Tel 028 90 52 1837

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