Environmental education provision essential

Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, has reiterated his belief in the importance of children experiencing a positive outdoors educational experience if they are to "truly appreciate and enjoy our natural environment." He was speaking after a meeting with Environment Minister, Edwin Poots, during which Mr Elliott put forward the case for maintaining the current NIEA Educators.

In a statement the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said: "During my meeting with Mr Poots he again confirmed that the removal of the NIEA Educators at the end of this month will be going ahead. While this is obviously not the news I was looking for, on a more positive note he reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the provision of an educational environmental experience for children. Infact, he made it known to me that since I first raised the issue about the NIEA educators his officials has twice tried to come to an arrangement with Department of Education officials about creating a joint departmental approach. Sadly, on both occasions Department of Education officials rebuffed his attempts to work together, not that anyone will be surprised by this coming from the position that Minister Ruane is in and her unwillingness to work with others for the benefit of the community."

"The situation we find ourselves in now is that there is a clear desire on the part of teachers, parents and public representatives, including the Ulster Unionist Party, to do what we can to ensure children are afforded the opportunity to interact with nature. Obviously government departments, including the Department for Environment, will need to be involved if anything is to come to fruition, and that is why I am encouraged by Minster Poots positive attitude. The decision he has taken regarding NIEA Educators was financially motivated, and I can appreciate he needs to make cuts, but thankfully he has not ruled out the possibility of working together to try and create a program which would be cost effective and provide our children with an important opportunity to experience the natural world around them in a positive way."

"I believe that children need to have an enjoyable, informative rural experience if they are to truly appreciate the beauty of Northern Ireland. They need to see that there is more to life than just walls and desks. This is why I will be seeking to contact interested parties in the coming weeks, and we will see what action we can take together to fill the void left by the removal of the NIEA Educators."