16 December 1999

EDUCATION MINISTER JOINS PUPILS FOR CHRISTMAS LUNCH

The Education Minister, Martin McGuinness MP, today visited St Peter’s Primary School at Moortown near Cookstown and joined the pupils at a festive lunch in the school dining room.

On arrival, the Minister was greeted by the Principal, Sean Dillon, and members of the Board of Governors before being introduced to pupils and staff.

The Minister also selected first and second prize winners in the school’s Christmas Art competition and presented prizes to the winning children.

Afterwards he said: "I was delighted to be at St Peter’s today. As a newly-appointed Minister, I am anxious to listen to the views of all those involved in education.

"I was pleased that St Peter’s is to have a new nursery unit opening next year. This is one of nine across the country which are being funded by the EU Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation and which will provide welcome support to local communities.

"It is important for me to see at first hand how schools are facing the key educational issues. My Department’s priority is to ensure equality and to tackle educational disadvantage, wherever it is found, in all communities and areas.

"I will be working hard for all sections of the community and wish to see an educational system in which everyone is treated fairly and the best interests of our children, whatever their background or circumstances, is foremost in our minds."

Note to Editors

1 - St Peter’s Primary School at Moortown has 121 pupils and six teachers.