Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister:-

 

"Today's announcement by Minister Ruane of a proposal to remove funding which covers transfer interviews for P7 pupils is her latest vindictive attempt to starve into submission those schools which have failed to fall into line with her idealogical agenda and is part of her vendetta against effective transfer procedures.

 

"As the Chairman of a Primary School Board of Governors I am very aware of the worth and key role of the parent/teacher interview, which is central to parental decisions as to which school their child should transfer. Withdrawing the funding for a substitute teacher to free up regular staff for such vital interviews is a calculated assault by the minister on the children of Northern ireland, as part of her war on the tranfer procedures.

 

"With her every move Catriona Ruane demonstrates why she is so loathed within the educational sphere and so utterly unfit for the oiffice she holds."