Holy Family Primary School, Magherafelt

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Education – in the Northern Ireland Assembly am 2:30 pm ar 25 Mehefin 2024.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Paul Givan Paul Givan DUP 2:30, 25 Mehefin 2024

If there is any need to make sure that a building is safe, of course the Education Authority will provide the support to do that. The Member will know that the normal process for new builds and school enhancement programmes is that a call is put out by the Department and the managing authorities put forward schools -— the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) would put forward a list of schools in that sector -— and criteria are applied on the basis of need.

I recognise that there is a need to invest in the school estate. I was pleased to secure an additional £80 million this year. That has allowed me to announce 15 new projects: eight new schools and seven school enhancement programmes. Could I do more? Yes, I could. If more funding becomes available, I will seek to take forward more schemes. I want to provide the support that is needed, and, with the support of the House and Executive colleagues, I will be able to do more.