Mr Butler Said:  

“Over the past 6 weeks and more, I have met and spoken with countless organisations, individuals, parents and teachers who raised serious concerns about the impact that the loss of these services would have on our children. 

“This morning's announcement from the Permanent Secretary for Education is testimony to the value-adding aspect of these services and the hard work that has been undertaken these recent weeks to convince the Department of the necessity to secure provision. 

“An incoming Minister must move swiftly to identify and secure value-adding non-statutory services for children that make a difference, especially to those children in greatest need and not face this cliff edge again.”