Mid Ulster MLA Emma Sheerin hopeful for change to school procurement procedure

South Derry MLA, Emma Sheerin, has this week raised the issue of school maintenance in the assembly chamber, calling for a more efficient process for local schools.

The Sinn Féin representative for Mid Ulster was speaking in the wake of an adjournment debate she brought before the house, calling for the Education minister to streamline the process currently endured by principals across the north, and ahead of her party's motion which will call on the Minister to take decisive action.

“We have all heard of ridiculous stories from small rural primary schools where teachers are having to manage incredibly tight budgets, and are frustrated by the lengthy delays they face when they call on EA Maintenance to repair anything in their building.

“This exasperation is often heightened by a procurement process which requires a school to go through a lengthy tender process for simple repairs or replacements, requiring principals to bypass a local contractor who would often do the work for the cost of materials alone, in light of connection to the school, and as a result, pay way more than the odds to an EA Approved outlet.

“In some instances, the EA end up approving the exact same local operator to do the work/provide the product, but administrative costs result in much higher fees for the school. To add insult to injury, the beauracracy involved in the process will have meant that the work, as well as costing much more, will have taken a lot longer to complete.

“Whilst we all acknowledge the importance of accountability for public money, and health and safety concerns when schools are involved, we are now in the ridiculous situation where schools are having to fundraise amongst their pupils' parents and wider family circles in order to afford basic repairs to doors, windows and heating systems - whilst the people with the skills and abilities to sort these problems for a fraction of the cost are often amongst the parents of the pupils.

''My debate will be followed up with a motion this week, calling on the minister to streamline this process, and I am heartened by early indications from him that he is receptive to this, understands the problems facing our local schools, and is keen to make a change. Our local schools, pupils and workers deserve better, and I will continue to work on this.”