PRESS RELEASE

May 14th, 2009

Praise for teachers

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil has heaped praise on the area’s teachers for their strong leadership during the swine flu crisis.

Mr McNeil paid tribute to Ravenscraig headteacher Isabel Lind, secretary Cathy Allan and Ladybird nursery head Julie Douglas in Parliament after Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon had given a statement to MSPS on the Greenock cases.

He was also given an assurance from Nicola Sturgeon that contingencies were in place should secondary schools need to be closed and exams are impacted.

Mr McNeil said: “These teachers have been rocks for the community during this situation and I know that parents are very appreciative of their efforts.

“I understand that Mrs Lind and Mrs Allan were in school past 10.30pm on Tuesday night and were in again first thing in the morning getting letters to parents.

“While it is important to keep this situation in perspective, the efforts of the health board, Inverclyde education department and these teachers has been first class and I am pleased that this was acknowledged in Parliament.”

The MSP was also told that - in light of a new case involving a 16-year-old girl – that closures of secondary schools would be considered.

He said: “While the emphasis at the moment is rightly on containment, I am pleased that consideration has been given to secondary pupils, particularly those with exams just round the corner.

“It is essential that these necessary precautions do not impact on the education of these children at this crucial time in their lives.”

ENDS