A major school re-construction scheme on the outskirts of east Belfast has received a political shot-in-the-arm.

DUP Leader and First Minister Peter Robinson visited Lagan College to meet with staff and pupils at the school and to receive an update on their progress towards a new school building.

Mr Robinson also answered questions from members of the School Council and politics class on issues including ending segregated education in Northern Ireland and his work as First Minister.

He heard that it marks a major move forward for the integrated Lagan College, and that the cross-community initiative has come a long way since it was founded in 1981 as an initiative in educating Protestant and Catholic children together.

The £8.5m extension is badly needed because over half of the schools classes are carried out in temporary mobile classrooms and even the canteen can only cater for less than half of the pupils at a time.

John Graham (Dromore) Ltd is building the extension and the alterations at the Manse Road, Castlereagh location.

Mr Robinson said: "I support Lagan College instilling in pupils the values of respect, understanding and tolerance.

"As we move forward in Northern Ireland our schools play a vital role in shaping the next generation.

"Lifelong relationships are formed whilst at schools and separating children at the age of four in education has a deep impact upon the level of separation in our society," he said.

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"I was very impressed by the interest and enthusiasm shown by the pupils at Lagan College both about my work as First Minister and politics in general.

"Engagement with groups such as this at schools across Northern Ireland gives me enormous hope for the future and I know that they look forward to taking the Province forward in much better environment than generations such as mine had to endure," he concluded.

Controversy

Last October, the First Minister provoked controversy when he denounced church schools as a "benign form of apartheid", saying that "we cannot hope to move beyond our present community divisions while our young people are educated separately".

His remarks earned a rebuke from Bishop Donal McKeown of Down and Connor, who said that parents have a fundamental right to send their children to religious schools: "It is also the hallmark of a stable and pluralist society," he added.

Stormont's Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister also warned Peter Robinson about taking on the Catholic Church over integrated education but the First Minister went further and recommended a commission be set up to examine a way of bringing about integrated education across the region.

In response, Martin McGuinness said that taking on what Mr Robinson called vested interests in education was a "collision course which will lead us into a total and absolute mess".

Lagan College originally opened in temporary premises at Ardnavally Activity Centre beside the River Lagan in south Belfast, thanks to the hospitality of the Scout Movement, with just 28 pupils, the principal, one full-time teacher and five part-time teachers.

A move to a redundant primary school at Castlereagh on a hill-top overlooking Belfast and a link with the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum - where 1st years were taught in the Manor House until a new building was ready - saw the school develop - and all with no Government funding, as parents of pupils contributed what they could afford towards the costs.

Then maintained status was granted in 1984, which meant 100% of running costs were met by the Department of Education and the College governors were responsible for 15% of capital expenditure.

See: Integrated College Welcomes £8.5M Project

See: End 'Apartheid' Education, Says Robinson

(BMcC/KMcA)