Statement by TUV Ballymena councillor Matthew Armstrong:
“It has long been the position of my party that teachers should be prioritised in the vaccination program. I am disappointed, therefore, that the Health Minister did not support a proposal to vaccinate even all special school staff at an early stage.
“It is important to recognise that special schools have been open throughout the pandemic and have been providing a vital service to some of the most vulnerable in society. Staff often work in circumstances when it is impossible to social distance and therefore feel themselves to be more exposed to the risk than many others.
“Additionally, a question from my party leader to the Health Minister on introducing regular Covid-19 testing to special schools remains unanswered a month after he should have received a reply.
“I would urge the Minister to reassess his position when it comes to this matter. I know that news which broke as a result of yesterday’s Education Committee meeting at Stormont has caused considerable distress and alarm within the Special School sector.”