Derry MLA Karen Mullan says extra £10m for education will help ease pressure on schools

“I welcome today’s announcement of an extra £10 million for schools by Finance Minister Conor Murphy.

“There are immediate pressures in the education system which need to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

“This funding will go some way in tackling those pressures which have been compounded by a decade of Tory austerity cuts from London.

“We will continue to work with the Department of Education and others to tackle the crisis in education and campaign for extra funding for our schools," said Ms. Mullan, who is vice-chair of the Stormont Education Minister.

Finance Minister Conor Murphy allocated £18 million to education, health and infrastructure.

The allocations were outlined in a Written Ministerial Statement follow late changes made to the NI Budget by Treasury.

Allocations include: £10 million to address pressures within the education sector; £5 million for doctor and dentist pay and health pressures; £3 million for winter services, urgent street lighting and road repairs.

Other changes to the Budget by Treasury include a £59 million reduction in Financial Transaction Capital for 2019/20 and a £52 million reduction in the Capital Budget which has been deferred until 2020/21.