Sinn Féin's Liz Kimmins welcomes news of £1bn to support building special educational needs facilities

The Education Minister’s announcement of £1billion funding to prioritise building special educational needs facilities has been welcomed

Sinn Féin Newry & Armagh MLA, Liz Kimmins, described the announcement to build and provide first-class special educational needs facilities, including Rathore and Lisanally Schools, as “positive”.

“Our children with additional needs deserve to have access to the very best facilities that will help them achieve their full potential in life,” she added.

However, she added: “As a long standing member of the Board of Governors at Rathore School, I am acutely aware of the huge challenges facing schools and families, and it is essential that a long term planning is central to meeting the increasing demand for SEN School placements.

“I am committed to working with all parties to deliver the much-needed transformation of the special educational needs system.

“This includes ensuring every child with special educational needs has a school place in time for September.”