Education Minister Paul Givan faces scrutiny over a £700,000 funding allocation to Lisneal College amid budget concerns.
The meeting was tense at times. Givan spoke to the committee for two hours on Wednesday afternoon. Givan refused calls to resign posted online, claiming the worst online abuse ever happened recently in his career.
Nick Mathison asked if Givan influenced the Lisneal decision, seeking to clarify his involvement. Givan denies any influence, stating the Education Authority confirmed it. He restated that help was not given for this specific project.
Givan saw no issues with the project’s review, as it got approved by the funding program. He voiced confidence in the process. He discussed funding allocations, noting that in 2024/25, £30 million went to projects, and another £34 million was allocated, funding many sectors.
Pat Sheehan questioned funding priorities, asking about issues like leaky roofs and football pitches, concerned with the protocol. Givan said the EA prioritizes health and safety. He added people can ask the EA board questions, and it will answer with details of the process.
Sheehan accused Givan’s party of cronyism. Givan stated that charge was untrue, having visited almost 150 schools. He mentioned Sinn Fein members are on the EA board.
Cara Hunter mentioned a crumbling school in her area, needing repairs badly in her opinion, located in East Londonderry. Hunter asked if Givan understood the frustration, as schools are confused by the funding, and some miss getting money for critical issues.
Givan said he hears frustration from principals too, as some schools receive new buildings with ease, while others remain with existing issues. He blamed politicians for targeting Lisneal College. Hunter replied it was not against Lisneal, but asked for funding transparency from the EA instead.
Hunter said people want Givan’s resignation, citing his meeting with the Loyalist Communities Council and refusing Bangor integrated schools. Givan described the online abuse as severe, unparalleled in his career. He also mentioned the spread of misinformation online.
He talked about disturbing emails he received. One person sent countless emails with awful comments. He described it as appalling behavior.