A funding award of £710,000 to Lisneal College in Derry has sparked a sectarian row at Stormont, with MLAs questioning Education Minister Paul Givan about the allocation and DUP representatives condemning online criticism.
A school granted more than half a million pounds for sports facilities has found itself at the centre of a sectarian row at Stormont . Education Minister Paul Givan, after outlining new support arrangements for controlled schools, faced a series of questions from MLAs over £710,000 awarded to Lisneal College in the Waterside area of Derry.
His DUP colleague Gary Middleton had, earlier, made a statement in the Assembly lashing out at 'the blatant sectarianism of some contributors online', and branding the 'notion that funding was awarded due to some backroom deal' as 'not only inaccurate but completely offensive'. Lisneal College, a controlled post-primary school in the Waterside that was formed 20 years ago through the amalgamation of the former Clondermott High School and Faughan Valley High School, was awarded the funding for sports and PE facilities, including sports pitches. The funding award has attracted widespread social media commentary over recent days. Addressing the chamber, Mr Givan insisted the funding was awarded 'within the normal EA minor works allocation'. But he came in for a grilling from MLAs as he set out new plans to provide dedicated support for controlled schools. Sinn Fein MLA Danny Baker said: 'The Minister is intent on establishing a new managing authority for the controlled schools sector, contrary to the recommendations of the independent review. Added to the case over the weekend of £700,000 investment to a school, would the Minister accept that there may be a perception that he and his department is offering preferential treatment to one education sector over others?' The question prompted a combative response from Mr Givan, who said: 'Don't judge me by one's own sectarian standards. Don't judge me by your own standards. I've been the education minister for all sectors, OK. 'If you are so concerned about the capital needs of the education sector, for which I have bid well in excess of half a billion pounds, speak to your Finance Minister who hasn't supported me.' Alliance MLA Michelle Guy said: 'The question that the public expects me to ask you directly is, 'Did you influence in any way prioritising that investment over other schools that also require minor works'?' Paul Givan said: 'I had no role in taking the decision of funding this particular scheme. The Education Authority had £29million available to it for minor works projects. I'm not involved in deciding what funding goes.' He added: 'Let's not repeat a false narrative. Facts are facts. The Member's opinion and conjecture on this has been completely wrong. What she should do, and others, is retract and you should apologise - and not just to me. You should apologise to Lisneal College.
EDUCATIONFUNDING SECTARIANISM STORMONT LISNEALCOLLEGE NORTHERNIRELANDNEWS
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