Cathy Mason accuses DUP of punishing children over Irish-medium education bill

CATHY Mason has accused the DUP of putting its opposition to the Irish language ahead of children's education after the party moved to block proposed legislation aimed at improving workforce planning in Irish-medium schools.

The DUP has tabled a petition of concern against the Irish-medium Education (Workforce Plan) Bill, introduced by Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan, which would require the Department of Education to prepare a workforce plan for schools in the sector.

Ms Mason said the move would affect children who deserve the same educational opportunities and support as pupils in every other school setting.

She criticised the decision to use the petition of concern, which prevents an immediate vote on the legislation and triggers a 14-day consideration period before MLAs can make their decision.

Speaking about the move, Ms Mason said: "They are now planning on using a petition of concern to block legislation that would ensure proper workforce planning for Irish-medium schools.

"We are talking about teachers, classroom assistants and support for children with complex needs. These are children who deserve the exact same opportunities as every other child.

"Yet once again, the DUP are putting their hostility towards the Irish language ahead of our children's education. It is shameful and our children deserve better."

She questioned what it was about the Irish language that the DUP found so threatening, arguing that children and their educational needs should not become caught up in wider political disagreements.

The row over the bill comes amid heightened tensions between Sinn Féin and unionist parties following protests on Garvaghy Road in Portadown during the Drumcree parading dispute.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said the decision to use the petition of concern was the latest response to what his party regards as Sinn Féin's arrogance over the dispute.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill has also criticised the DUP's decision, accusing the party of blatant disrespect and sectarianism. She said the move amounted to punishing children because of the wider political disagreement.

However, the DUP has defended its position, with Education Minister Paul Givan arguing that the proposed legislation is unnecessary and duplicates work already being carried out by his department.

Mr Givan said he had treated all sectors of education equally and maintained that the bill would give preferential treatment to one particular workforce.

The Ulster Unionist Party has also raised concerns about the legislation, describing it as unnecessary and questioning the additional administrative and financial costs.

Mr Sheehan has defended the bill, saying it is needed to address serious challenges facing Irish-medium education and bring the sector onto an equal footing with other parts of the education system.

For Ms Mason, however, the central issue is the impact the political stand-off could have on children, teachers and support staff in Irish-medium schools.

She said children should not be made collateral damage in political disputes and called for their educational needs to be treated with the same importance as those of every other pupil.