Nick Mathison

Stormont has been down for almost half its life, with progress blocked and time wasted on division. Time for Democratic Renewal. No more one-party walkouts, dodging accountability, vetoes or dark money. The argument for reform has been won – let’s seize this opportunity.

SEN school staff workloads are unmanageable and unsustainable, says @NickDMathison, ahead of Assembly motion. allianceparty.org/sen_school_sta…

In a world where politics is built on fear – fear of difference, of our neighbours, of the future – we choose something better. Choose Hope. Not Fear. Join Alliance.

U-turn from Health & Education Ministers reinstating special school summer schemes! After @allianceparty recall Assembly, within hours nursing cover is agreed. Clearly a solution was there but Health and Ed Ministers just sat back and let them be cancelled

Once again, vulnerable children are paying the price of inaction and parents are left scrambling for alternatives that don’t exist. Alliance has submitted a petition to recall the Assembly and ensure the Health and Education Ministers get it fixed.

Vital we get accountability on cancellation of summer schemes in special schools. Scrutiny should not be dodged on an issue causing parents and families distress. Education and Health Ministers have failed to collaborate in the best interests of children amd must provide answers

I have raised major issues with nursing in special schools for over 2 years and this clearly extends to summer schemes. Health and Education ministers failed to plan to ensure schemes can be delivered safely. They must urgently produce a plan to reverse this disastrous outcome

URGENT ‼️‼️‼️ British nationals in the city of Duqm, Oman, should immediately shelter in place: gov.uk/foreign-travel… Any British nationals currently visiting Salalah, or within 100km, should look to leave as soon as possible if commercial means allow. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.

Big day for P7s- those who took the SEAG test and those who didn't. Our kids have bright futures regardless of their score in a test- high time we had a serious public conversation about how we can do post-primary transfer differently

Many thanks to pupils from Killyleagh Integrated Primary School (Strangford) for taking part in the education programme today. Thanks also to @NickDMathison for meeting with the group. We hope everyone enjoyed the session.

Glad progress made on 25/26 teacher pay award- NI teachers deserve a fair settlement. But budget position of DE is a grave concern- Minister must now set out transformation plans to address systemic issues driving spend- starting with cost of running a divided education system

I'm pleased to announce I have secured Executive agreement to fund compensation claims for the PSNI data breach. The data breach caused significant distress and anguish for many officers and staff, and it is important they receive the compensation they are entitled to.

This week, the Assembly backed Alliance's call for reform.  Unlike Sinn Féin and the DUP, who block decisions and collapse the institutions on a whim, we want to deliver for the people of NI.  To do that, we need a system that is stable and capable of delivery - @NickDMathison

I have always condemned acts of terrorism without equivocation. I said so explicitly in my interview on Nolan (excerpt below), but political opponents omit that key part of the interview when they selectively post. Politicking on such a sensitive issue is, frankly, grotesque.

Over the last 25 years I've been in front-line politics, I've engaged with people from all backgrounds and perspectives. I've been open to debating and discussing issues, whether we agreed or not, including on here. Turning up as a mob, some in masks, at my home just isn't on. >

EA comms on school closures causing confusion. Schools in Antrim, Derry, Fermanagh & Tyrone all to close 12pm. Not sure if intended to cover Belfast but most closing. Look out for comms from your school as local arrangements may be put in place. @allianceparty

The Assembly is back & our first priority is challenging the Education Minister on special educational needs. Too many children have been failed again this year. We’re demanding the Education Minister acts now to ensure this crisis isn’t repeated, says @NickDMathison.

Great to meet the team at Youth Justice in Newtownards. Brilliant service demonstrating cross departmental and inter-agency collaboration

@AutismReviewer And disappointing for parents following the restrictive practice debate- Minister rushed his remarks to cover placements - this is not how either of these issues should be treated!

@NickDMathison Agree - as I reflect on where we were last year, I can’t see any increased understanding or empathy. This is deeply disappointing and distressing for so many parents

Extremely disappointed the Education Minister has chosen not to make a ministerial statement to Assembly on SEN placement crisis. Instead tagged an update on to his speech on another debate on a different matter. Disrespectful to the parents and children impacted