Other News In Brief

Alliance Praise 'Strength And Dedication' To Harry's Law Campaigners

The Alliance Party has praised the "strength and dedication" of Deirdre Shakespeare and her family following the release of the Public Services Ombudsman report into the treatment of her son, Harry.

The report found that Harry, who is autistic and non-verbal, was "restrained unnecessarily" at the special school he attended and that "the failures in this case caused the child's parents a huge amount of distress".

Education spokesperson and Lagan Valley MLA, Michelle Guy, said: "The impact of restraint and seclusion can be devastating for young people, some of whom may be non-verbal and unable to explain what has happened to them.

"With that in mind, this report has been a long time coming and highlights a number of significant issues and failings.

"Firstly, tribute should be paid to Deirdre, her family, and others with lived experience who continue to courageously campaign to make real change in the interest of all children.

"I acknowledge the work which has been done by the Department of Education, like the 2022 review and the subsequent draft guidance which has been published for consultation. However, we are still awaiting further updates on when the statutory guidance will be in place and what changes have been made given the substantial feedback.

"We also urgently need to see the repeal of Article 4 (1)(c) of Education (NI) Order 1998, which still allows use of force to maintain 'good order and discipline' in schools.

"Now is the time for the Education Minister to ensure those with lived experience are finally listened to on this crucial issue."

SDLP Welcomes New Funding For Children With Disabilities Respite Care

SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has welcomed funding to support respite care for children with disabilities.

It follows Assembly support for an SDLP amendment to a motion this week calling for further support for families of adults and children with learning difficulties, complex needs and challenging behaviour.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced £13m multi-year funding to increase short break capacity and support. South Down MLA Mr McGrath said: "The SDLP Opposition recognised the important need to have the voices of children and their families included in the debate around the need for expanded respite provision and we secured the support of the Assembly earlier this week. I'm delighted this has now been followed up by the Minister with this much needed support for children with disabilities to take short breaks will have make a real difference for the children and their families.

"This issue gained much attention recently after the airing of the BBC Spotlight programme 'I Am Not Okay' which detailed the challenges of parents living with children who have additional needs. There was a huge response to it and I commend the parents involved for their bravery in speaking out and sharing their story, it was privilege to meet them recently with SDLP Leader Claire Hanna and I believe that detailing their experience was key in seeing this funding delivered.

"While this funding is welcome, I note with some concern the Minister's comments that this will mean there is less money to be spent in other parts of our health service. While I am aware of the challenges facing the department, I will be seeking urgent clarity on the impact of this."

SF Calls On Education Minister To Address Underachievement

Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has called on the Education Minister to go back to the drawing board and come up with a new plan to tackle educational underachievement.

The West Belfast MLA said: "I'm disappointed that despite the concerns raised by myself and others, including many school principals, the education minister is continuing with his flawed RAISE Programme.

"Poverty is the most significant predictor of educational underachievement and early intervention is vital if we are to make a difference.

"There are children in working class communities who would really benefit from targeted support but under this bizarre plan, many of them will be excluded.

"Sinn Féin will continue to challenge the DUP Minister on this, and I along with my Sinn Féin colleagues are bringing an Assembly motion calling on the education minister to scrap this plan and replace it with a scheme that delivers targeted support based on objective need."