McGuinness pledges action over disabled children's rights

Education Minister Martin McGuinness has pledged "take action" over discrimination against school children with disabilities, following the launch of a Barnardo's report on the issue.

Published by Barnardo’s, the report called ‘Is Anyone Listening?’ provides a baseline measurement of the response of key public services to disabled children and their families, as well as the personal experiences of some disabled children and their parents.

Speaking at the Parliament Buildings launch, Mr McGuinness said: “I believe that promoting equality and tackling social exclusion are cornerstones of a responsive and effective education service. Therefore, the needs of young people with disabilities must be seen as a top priority.

“I am listening carefully to these needs, and can assure people that I am taking action."

He added: "All schools should have a clear anti-bullying policy statement within their pastoral care and statutory discipline measures, setting out the measures the school will take to prevent and tackle bullying. This will shortly be enshrined in legislation."

A good practice anti-bullying guide for post primary schools, drawn up by a consortium of statutory and voluntary agencies, will be published this November, and research on bullying carried out by the University of Ulster will be published this autumn.

Mr McGuinness also updated delegates on the local implementation of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001.

“It is planned to introduce legislation in the forthcoming assembly session equivalent to this Act, which will make further provision against discrimination on the grounds of disability in schools and other educational establishments," he said.

"Proper implementation of this proposed new legislation will require substantial additional resources and I will bid for these at the appropriate time.”

The Minister reminded delegates that £11.5 million was recently allocated for the building of new premises for three Special Schools under the Reinvestment and Reform Initiative – Harberton and Cedar Lodge Schools in Belfast and Roddensvale in Larne.

Mr McGuinness went on to tell delegates that his department has joined with the health department to form an inter-departmental working group to take forward common concerns and responsibilities relating to the provision of appropriate and equitable services for young people.

Mr McGuinness concluded by commending Barnardo’s and Queen’s University for their work on the Report.

(GMcG)