Childrens' services should be given priority

Editorial Department • Published 10 Jun 2010 16:00 0 Comments

We hear in times of recession how we all have to tighten our belts and cut back on spending. But when that affects some of the more vulnerable children in our society, questions have to be asked.

We have learned that a two-week summer scheme which has been regularly enjoyed by children attending Elmbrook Special School in previous years, is being cut back to just one week and all transport provided by the Western Education and Library Board has been completely cut.

It means that parents from all over the county will have to fund and organise their own travel arrangements for their children to attend the one-week scheme in July.

After the school year when the children will have been introduced to new ways of learning, they always looked forward to the two weeks of the scheme in a more "fun environment" According to some parents, it was the highlight of their year.

We know the Western Board has had to make cutbacks in services, but when it affects the more vulnerable in society, it hits home hard.

Fermanagh District Council has decided to support the parents to oppose the cuts in transport and to ask the Board to reconsider.

Surely matters affecting children, and particularly those with disabilities can be ringfenced from savage cuts which have a major effect on their lives. Just imagine the reaction from these children when they were told by their parents that their scheme was being cut and that they would not be able to travel with their friends on the bus.

It can never be assumed that every family has access to a car to provide the necessary transport nor that they are free from work commitments to lay on such services.

The prioritising of cutbacks is not only a responsibility at local level but also at the Northern Ireland Assembly who can recommend what services should be free from tampering with.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 10 Jun 10

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