We are 23 months deep into our political impasse — our education system and students are suffering.
To mark the International Day of Education, NUS-USI President Chloe Ferguson has released a statement:
"Education is the foundation stone of our society. As we mark the International Day of Education, it is with a heavy heart that we reflect on the chaos and underfunding of our education system in Northern Ireland.
"Our young people are being punished by unprecedented cuts to our education budget, which will have a ripple impact for the future of our society and economy.
"Teachers and public sector workers have been left no other option than to strike for fair pay and conditions — meanwhile the £3.3 billion earmarked to pay workers a fair wage has become ransom money in a political game.
"We cannot afford to let students and young people become the collateral damage. It is time to break the political deadlock, restore our assembly and protect the future of our education system."
