Menu
27/10/2004
Education Minister hits out at overspend
Education Minister Barry Gardiner has demanded swift action over the escalating crisis in funding within the Belfast and South Eastern Education Boards after it emerged that the two boards had a combined overspend of around £11 million.
Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Gardiner told the chief executives of both boards that they bore personal responsibility for monitoring spending.
Mr Gardiner, said: “The boards have tough choices to make. I know that. But it is their responsibility, to set out clearly, how they intend to live within their budget.
“That means stating their priorities carefully. Only then, can I begin to work with them to minimize the adverse impact such cuts may have on children in the classroom.”
However, a spokesperson for public service union NIPSA said that any demands that both boards cut costs would badly affect children.
"The question that needs to be asked is why Barry Gardiner mishandled the allocation of budgets in Northern Ireland," he said.
"He set a budget that was too low to deal with issues that are being dealt with in education in Northern Ireland.”
Both boards both due to hold full meetings on Thursday at their headquarters to discuss the ongoing crisis.
(MB/GMCG)
Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Gardiner told the chief executives of both boards that they bore personal responsibility for monitoring spending.
Mr Gardiner, said: “The boards have tough choices to make. I know that. But it is their responsibility, to set out clearly, how they intend to live within their budget.
“That means stating their priorities carefully. Only then, can I begin to work with them to minimize the adverse impact such cuts may have on children in the classroom.”
However, a spokesperson for public service union NIPSA said that any demands that both boards cut costs would badly affect children.
"The question that needs to be asked is why Barry Gardiner mishandled the allocation of budgets in Northern Ireland," he said.
"He set a budget that was too low to deal with issues that are being dealt with in education in Northern Ireland.”
Both boards both due to hold full meetings on Thursday at their headquarters to discuss the ongoing crisis.
(MB/GMCG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 March 2015
New Education Authority To Replace NI's Five Education And Library Boards
The new Education Authority will replace Northern Ireland's five education and library boards on Wednesday 1 April. The new Authority replaces the existing five Education and Library Boards and their Staff Commission. The new organisation will have a £1.
New Education Authority To Replace NI's Five Education And Library Boards
The new Education Authority will replace Northern Ireland's five education and library boards on Wednesday 1 April. The new Authority replaces the existing five Education and Library Boards and their Staff Commission. The new organisation will have a £1.
15 February 2005
Minister confirms classroom spend for 2005/06
The Government has confirmed that an extra £79 million is to be pumped into local classrooms next year. Announcing details of a financial settlement for schools and Education & Library Boards for 2005/06, Education Minister Barry Gardiner said that funding for schools will increase by over 9% next year.
Minister confirms classroom spend for 2005/06
The Government has confirmed that an extra £79 million is to be pumped into local classrooms next year. Announcing details of a financial settlement for schools and Education & Library Boards for 2005/06, Education Minister Barry Gardiner said that funding for schools will increase by over 9% next year.
25 March 2005
Minister refutes claims of underspend on education
NIO Education Minister Barry Gardiner has rebuffed claims by the Education & Library Boards that they had to make cuts in their budget. Earlier this week, several Education and Library Board members have resigned in the wake of cost cutting measures to reduce the level of overspending.
Minister refutes claims of underspend on education
NIO Education Minister Barry Gardiner has rebuffed claims by the Education & Library Boards that they had to make cuts in their budget. Earlier this week, several Education and Library Board members have resigned in the wake of cost cutting measures to reduce the level of overspending.
06 March 2009
Education Budget Revealed
Some £5million to address a continuing maintenance backlog in schools, funding for primary school uniforms and almost £8million to meet the cost of job evaluation in the education and library boards are among items covered in NI's education budget for the coming year.
Education Budget Revealed
Some £5million to address a continuing maintenance backlog in schools, funding for primary school uniforms and almost £8million to meet the cost of job evaluation in the education and library boards are among items covered in NI's education budget for the coming year.
02 December 2004
Education Minister rejects funding crisis
Education Minister, Barry Gardiner, today rejected claims that education funding is in crisis despite shortfalls within the five local Education Boards being forecast to exceed £100 million in the next two to three years.
Education Minister rejects funding crisis
Education Minister, Barry Gardiner, today rejected claims that education funding is in crisis despite shortfalls within the five local Education Boards being forecast to exceed £100 million in the next two to three years.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
