SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has called on the Ministers for health and education to work together and deliver special school summer schemes.

He was speaking after the Education Minister said the Education Authority could deliver the schemes for children with special educational needs if the department can provide clinal and nursing support.

South Down MLA Colin McGrath said:

“People are rightly outraged at the decision to cancel summer schemes for special schools. This has thrown many families’ summer plans into disarray, depriving them of much-needed respite and vulnerable young people of the opportunity to take part in these valuable schemes.

“The SDLP supports the petition to recall the Assembly next week, but families and people with special educational needs (SEN) don’t need MLAs talking about this at Stormont - they need action from the Executive, the Department of Health and the Education Authority, the only bodies with the power to resolve this issue, ensure the necessary nursing staff are in place and allow these schemes to go ahead.

“We cannot continue with a situation where Executive parties accept no responsibility and pretend they do not have power in their hands. Instead of criticising from the sidelines, Sinn Féin and the Alliance Party should clarify if their representatives on the Education Authority board knew about this decision.

“The Ministers for Education and Health must now work together to find a solution. Political grandstanding is not enough, the Executive must come together, reverse this decision and deliver these vital services.”