I welcome the decision by North Down Borough Council
to support my motion expressing support for shared schooling.
Council ratified its
decision to endorse my motion at its meeting on Tuesday 22 November
2011. The motion stated: “That this Council calls upon the Northern Ireland
Assembly and Executive to urgently deliver an education system fit for the 21st
century by developing more shared educational opportunities, where children
learn and play together.”
I am extremely pleased that North Down Council endorsed my motion. Whilst DUP support for my motion and shared education is to be welcomed the opposition expressed by some in the Ulster Unionist Party is regrettable.
The Alliance Party has consistently supported shared and integrated
education. North Down has plenty of examples of shared schooling which we
should showcase and publicise whilst also examining the many opportunities that
still remain for more collaboration and sharing.