Cuts to Sports Development Grant will affect schools and staff in West Tyrone

by Gráinne Connolly

The Department of Education has decided to cut the Sports Development Grant which has benefited schools and children across Northern Ireland. 

It gives GAA and IFA coaches the chance to teach in primary schools as part of the Curriculum Sports Programme. 

These cuts have raised issues among local school teachers and principals, as well as MLA's and MP's. 

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP, Barry McElduff said he's extremely disappointed at this decision:

"We're very, very disappointed that the Department of Education, Permanent Secretary Derek Baker, has effectively stood over a decision that will end the employment of a significant number of GAA and IFA coaches who go in to our primary schools."

He went on to say how a number of schools have expressed how important this programme is and how much it benefits both students and teachers by developing children's "physical literacy", as well as helping the teachers learn more skills from coaches to deliver a better P.E. programme. 

Local politicians are now calling to reverse these cuts as it affects schools and teachers in West Tyrone as well as the rest of Northern Ireland. 

Barry McElduff joined his colleague Sinead Ennis, Spokesperson for Culture, Arts and Sport and South Down MLA at a meeting with the GAA Ulster Council. 

They're calling for a cross-party approach to press the Department of Education to reverse these controversial cuts that will affect over 30,000 children.

The West Tyrone MP feels this is another symptom of "Tory austerity" and is encouraging all parties to embrace a unified approach as it is a cross-community issue. 

Listen to the full interview with West Tyrone MP, Barry McElduff below: