Clash over school closure criteria

By Noel McAdam – 18 September 2007

Education Minister Caitriona Ruane was accused of sectarianism over school closures in an Assembly clash with the DUP's William McCrea.

He said Ms Ruane approved an Irish language school in Co Tyrone with 12 Primary One pupils while closing Minterburn Primary School in Caledon which had double the numbers.

Ms Ruane said: "There is a growing demand for Irish medium education and this is reflected in the proposals brought forward by parents.

"New schools, whatever sector they are in, are approved on condition that they will meet the department's minimum intake levels."

Department of Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey rejected fresh demands to reassess the £15,000 threshold at which graduates begin to repay their student loans.

Alliance's Sean Neeson said: "Surely in this day and age £15,000 is not a very substantial salary, especially when we look at the rocketing housing cost that young people are faced with."

Sir Reg said the repayment threshold had been increased by 50% from £10,000 to £15,000 in April 2005 - reducing repayments by £450 per year for graduates earning £15,000 or more.