Lisneal College in Derry faces scrutiny after receiving £710,000 for sports facilities, igniting a sectarianism debate among political leaders at Stormont.
Derry: A school in Derry is in the spotlight over a funding issue. Lisneal College received over £710,000 for sports facilities. This has led to a heated debate at Stormont.
Education Minister Paul Givan announced new support for controlled schools. He faced tough questions from MLAs about the funding awarded to Lisneal College.
Givan’s colleague, Gary Middleton, criticized online comments about the funding. He called the idea of a backroom deal “offensive” and “inaccurate.”
Lisneal College was formed 20 years ago from two other schools. The funding is meant for sports pitches and PE facilities.
Social media has been buzzing with reactions to the funding. Givan defended the decision, saying it was part of normal funding processes.
However, MLAs pressed him on the issue. Sinn Fein MLA Danny Baker questioned if the funding showed favoritism towards one education sector.
Givan responded firmly, saying he serves all education sectors. He urged critics to speak to the Finance Minister about funding needs.
Alliance MLA Michelle Guy asked if Givan influenced the funding decision. He insisted he had no role in it and that the Education Authority made the call.
Givan urged others to retract false claims and apologize to Lisneal College. The debate continues as the funding issue unfolds.
