Local politicians welcome reinstatement of school uniform grant

SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has welcomed the departmental u-turn on assistance for families for school uniforms.

Commenting the Foyle MLA said: "The proposed cut to the uniform grant was a ridiculously bad decision. It was taken for the wrong reasons and overturning it is the right thing to do.

"The cut was an attack on the most vulnerable and would have caused major financial stress for families.

"Many families across my constituency contacted me worried about how they were going to afford uniforms and were daunted with the prospect of not having all that was needed by their children for school in September.

"My SDLP colleagues and I pressed for a reversal of the decision and made a number of representations to the Department and the Education Authority. I welcome that common sense has prevailed and those in need will continue to get this vital assistance.

"I firmly believe that if we had a functioning Executive this situation, which has caused considerable stress and confusion, would never have arisen and this underscored the need for us to have Government up and running."

Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan also welcomed the decision.

The Foyle MLA was speaking after she and party colleague Caoimhe Archibald met with the Education Authority in Belfast yesterday

Mrs Mullan said: “Sinn Féin opposed this cut since it was announced as it was an attack on children and families from deprived communities.

“We demanded today that the Education Authority reverse this cut so I am delighted that it has now done so.

“Our party leader in the north Michelle O’Neill stressed the unjust nature of this cut to the Interim Head of the Civil Service and why in her view it should be reversed immediately in order to afford families this critical assistance.

“The school uniform grant is a vital resource for many families and makes a real impact on the lives of thousands of children.

“Sinn Féin Minister Caitriona Ruane introduced the primary school uniform grant and her successor John O’Dowd extended the criteria allowing thousands more pupils to benefit.

“This news will provide some reassurance to parents as the processing of applications normally takes place in August.”