Jimmy Harte (Labour)

The Minister did not cut any budget. The difference is that two rural schools closed in County Armagh. The Minister, John O'Dowd, said:

In recent years, however, both schools have suffered from declining enrolments with only 10 children enrolled ... in Aghavilly and only 16 enrolled ... in Keady. I have therefore decided to close the schools, as I am confident that the children's educational needs can now be best met at alternative schools within the area.

He did not mention budgets, but was talking about the size of the schools. Therefore, the Deputy should not be blaming a budget.