Education Minister has welcomed the publication of
the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report into the management of
the schools' estate, recognising that it brings into sharp focus
the critical and long-standing issues of school infrastructure
and funding.
In responding to the report, said:
“The education system is facing a capital funding crisis that
must be addressed without delay. I acknowledge the Committee's
concerns and share its commitment to ensuring that every child in
Northern Ireland is educated in a safe, modern, and inclusive
environment.
“I value the report's contribution in exposing the scale of the
challenge, particularly the chronic underinvestment in our
schools' estate over many years.
“The key issue here is not a lack of planning, but a lack of
funding. Severe and unsustainable financial pressures have left
my Department unable to carry out routine maintenance or invest
in long-term improvements. Instead, we've had to stretch
resources to cover only the most urgent,
health-and-safety-related repairs — a reactive approach that, as
the report rightly highlights, cannot continue.
“Nowhere is the pressure more acute than in Special Educational
Needs provision. The cost of emergency SEN placements has soared
from £9 million in 2019 to a projected £85 million this year,
which is an 850% increase in just six years. That trajectory is
simply not financially viable.
“Despite these constraints, I remain committed to improving the
condition of our school estate. In line with one of the PAC's key
recommendations, I have submitted a ten-year, £1.7 billion
Special Educational Needs investment plan to the Executive. This
strategic proposal is designed to address long-term
infrastructure needs and ensure that children with SEN are
supported in appropriate, high-quality learning environments.
“I am calling for urgent, cross-party support to secure the
investment needed to modernise and protect Northern Ireland's
schools. Without action, our school estate will continue to
deteriorate, with real consequences for pupils, staff, and
communities.”
A formal response to the PAC's recommendations will be provided
through a detailed Memorandum of Reply in due course.
