Sinn Féin’s motion gains Alliance and SDLP support as educators demand urgent action.

Sinn Féin has proposed recalling the Stormont Assembly early to address the challenges posed by Northern Ireland’s surge in Omicron cases, particularly in schools. The Alliance Party and SDLP have backed the motion submitted by Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan, who called for urgent discussions on reopening schools safely and addressing staff shortages.

Sheehan urged Education Minister Michelle McIlveen to present a clear strategy for the safe return of pupils and teachers, citing rising concerns among educators. “The focus must be on ensuring schools operate safely, protecting staff, pupils, and parents,” he stated, highlighting increased pressure from the Omicron variant.

BACKGROUND AND REACTIONS
Teachers’ unions have warned that reopening classrooms without additional measures could escalate virus transmission. They have raised issues related to staffing levels and contact tracing inadequacies. Minister McIlveen, while maintaining that keeping children in schools is a priority, has said her department is collaborating with the Department of Health and schools on Covid-related concerns.

Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle, chair of the Education Committee, stressed the importance of safety. “We want all pupils in schools, but it must be done safely,” he said, pointing to the need for better ventilation and measures to address staff shortages.

SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan described the situation in schools as “dire.” He criticised the lack of preparation, saying, “School leaders are being forced to make last-minute decisions due to inadequate direction from the minister and her department.”

McCrossan proposed creating a reserve list of substitute teachers to cover for staff isolating due to Covid and called for a thorough review of current mitigation measures, including ventilation improvements.

ASSEMBLY RECALL PROCESS
The Assembly, currently in recess until January 17, can be recalled by a motion signed by 30 members. With Sinn Féin’s 27 MLAs and backing from Alliance and the SDLP, the required threshold has been met.

The motion follows mounting public pressure for clearer guidance on school safety and protocols for events like open days.

PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACT
Colm Gildernew, chair of the Health Committee, also voiced concerns, stating that the Omicron wave is straining staffing across multiple sectors, including healthcare and education. He has requested the Health Committee’s recall to hear directly from Minister Robin Swann about the government’s response.

“The latest figures are alarming,” Gildernew said, emphasising the urgency of addressing staff absences and ensuring robust measures to contain the virus.

As Northern Ireland grapples with rising cases and significant challenges in schools, the recall of the Assembly could provide a critical platform for addressing these pressing issues.