AQW 11698/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 10/05/2024
Answered On Date: 16/05/2024
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education when he will confirm the Education Authority's budget allocation for 2024-25.

Answer:

The Executive agreed departments’ opening 2024-25 budgets at the end of April.

The budget outcome for Education falls far short of what the sector requires. Given the size of the funding shortfall faced, I am working with my Department’s officials to determine the options available and what difficult decisions are required to offer the education sector the best chance to operate within budget. Once complete, my Department’s ALBs, including the Education Authority, will be notified of their 2024-25 final opening allocations shortly thereafter.