Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Hain urged to end second-class treatment of the north

Published: 28 September, 2005

In a joint statement responding the initiatives announced by British Secretary of State Peter Hain at the British Labour Party conference in Brighton today Sinn Féin urged Mr Hain to end the second-class treatment of people living in the north.

Sinn Fein Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson MLA said:

"There was huge anger when the English Education Minister Ruth Kelly announced that millions was going to fund extended school opening in England at a time when we are facing cuts to services here.

"British NIO Ministers need to stop thinking that they can get away with treating our children as second class citizens. It is essential that the resources are in place to give our children the best opportunities.

"The announcement that we will finally get a new apprenticeship scheme is long overdue. It can offer an excellent career path for many young people who do not proper academically. We need to recognise an value voccational education more highly.

"There is also a clear skills deficit in this area that is damaging the economy."

Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Children Sue Ramsey MLA said:

"The decision to scrap the Children's Fund was a step backwards. We need to see more resources for children and young people mainstreamed and protected.

"In particular we need to unsure that children most at risk from poverty and deprivation and most likely to suffer educational under achievement are given the best possible start in life through breakfast clubs, after schools clubs and Sure Start."

Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson Philip McGuigan MLA said:

"It is vital that we move forward from merely saying that alternatives to fossil fuels are a good idea. There needs to be clear targets and incentives to support the development of the alternative energy market.

"The ever increasing upward spiral in the cost of fossil fuels is putting greater numbers at risk from fuel poverty and is hurting our economy. This alone should be the spur for greater emphasis on renewables and clean energy." ENDS