AQW 7247/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 22/02/2024
Answered On Date: 27/02/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education whether he will reinstate funding for the school Sports Programme.

Answer:

My Department funded the Curriculum Schools Sports Programme from 2007 to 2023, investing over £13m over that period. As a result of the challenging budget position in 2023-24, funding for the Sports Programme ceased on 31 May 2023.

With regards to future funding, you will be aware that departments have not yet been advised of budget allocations for 2024-25. While the Department of Education has been advised of an indicative baseline for planning purposes, detailed budgetary planning and prioritisation has yet to be undertaken.