Failure to fund new integrated schools an ongoing disgrace - McCarthy

11.35.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sun 3rd Sep 2006

Strangford Alliance Assembly Member, Kieran McCarthy

Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy has commended parents for their hard work securing the opening of Rowallane and Clogher Valley integrated schools - but added their opening was a reminder of the Government's shameful failure to meet the demand for integrated education.

The Strangford MLA stated: "The parents' group 'Poised' and other groups have put in outstanding hard work to achieve the opening of Rowallane and Clogher Valley schools.

"It is shameful, however, that such hard work is necessary. It is truly outrageous, in the 21st century, that people should have to engage in fundraising efforts, often requiring money from abroad, just to have their children educated together.

"It should be noted that the Ulster Unionists and the SDLP in Assembly Committee last month both rejected even the objective of a 'shared educational future'. So much for 'moderate' stances!

"The truth is that until the Alliance Party receives a strong mandate in a functioning Assembly, the fundamental right to integrated education will remain sidelined in favour of the present sectarian carve-up. This carve-up is costing the ratepayer £1 billion a year, costing any chance of a functioning democratic system, and costing our children their futures. It must end, now."

ENDS