Education Minister Paul Givan has strongly condemned the incidents of violence and the potential for further disruption.
Paul Givan said: “The attack in North Belfast on Monday night was wrong. However, the violence that has followed is deeply concerning and must be condemned. Violence has no place in our society and is wholly unacceptable.
“I engaged with the Police Service of Northern Ireland this morning to ensure we have the appropriate measures in place to support our schools, including pupils and staff.
“The advice remains that education provision should continue. Every effort should be made to minimise disruption to teaching and learning. Timetabled public examinations will go ahead as planned this afternoon, and schools should make every effort to remain open for pupils sitting exams.
“While there are reports circulating on social media regarding potential further protests, a blanket decision to close all schools across Northern Ireland would be neither practical nor proportionate.”
Commenting on the impact on children and young people, the Minister concluded: “I am also conscious of the impact on children and young people, particularly those from a minority ethnic background.
“Our school communities provide welcoming and supportive settings where all children can learn, play and grow up together. The Department will actively work with a range of partners to provide appropriate assistance to any schools or pupils impacted by recent events as their safety and wellbeing are my Department’s highest priority.”
School leaders are advised to continue monitoring developments in their local areas and to take any actions deemed necessary and proportionate, based on local circumstances. The Department recognises that, in some cases, individual schools may need to make decisions in response to specific local risks.
