It is deeply disappointing that long-awaited plans to help vulnerable children through the introduction of specialist facilities at two Irish language primary schools in Belfast have been dropped at such short notice
The nurture units at Scoil An Droichid and Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagáin were confirmed by the former Sinn Féin education minister John O'Dowd only two months ago and had been due to open in September.
However, the department of education has now told both schools that, even through new teachers have been recruited and equipment purchased, funding is no longer available and the project has been shelved.
A range of other initiatives may well face similar financial pressures in the coming months but it must at least be hoped that making further abrupt announcements with a lack of proper consultation can be avoided.
