The DUP has welcomed the announcement that 12 schools in Northern Ireland are to be upgraded as part of a £35 million investment in the School Enhancement Programme (SEP).

Education Spokesman Peter Weir said it is very good news for the schools which will lead to better facilities for their pupils.

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He said: "The announcement must be seen in the context of the commitment by the Executive of £194 million on capital spend for the Department of Education in 2016/7, which is an increase of £49 million. The rest of the money will no doubt be announced at later stages on areas such as new builds and minor works, and it is important that these are also delivered in an equitable manner. The Department's capital announcements have often been slow to be implemented, and so it is also critical that the good news today quickly translates into spades in the ground for these 12 schools."

(CD/MH)