Education Minister Paul Givan has defended meeting with the Loyalist Communities Council.
In his first comments on the controversy, the DUP politician said the discussion with the group was centred on underachievement in education.
Mr Givan met the LCC, which includes representatives from the UVF and UDA, on September 24.
At the meeting, the LCC said a “proposal to build an Irish language school in the mainly unionist area of east Belfast should be stopped”.
It led to criticism of Mr Givan’s decision to meet with the group.
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Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph today, Mr Givan said: “I met with them as I do with many groups on the issue of educational underachievement.
“The minutes of that meeting have been released – 99% of that meeting related to how we can help tackle that issue within our working class communities.
“I will always work with those who are willing to try to move their communities forward.
“Where there are groups who want to move permanently away from paramilitary activity I think it’s important government supports them to do that.
“Some of the people who have criticised me for meeting with the LCC are the same political parties who campaigned to release terrorist prisoners into our community – something I was against. Now they are critical of those trying to make sure we can move society forward.
“I will always engage with groups who seek to do that. Educational underachievement was the purpose of the meeting.”
Mr Givan also addressed the LCC’s call to stop integrated Irish-medium school Scoil na Seolta, which is set to be based on a temporary site on Montgomery Road.
He added: “Nobody will ever exercise a veto over my decisions as Minister. No politician will dictate to me on which schools should open or close. I will be very clearly governed by the legislation framework that exists.
“I said from day one I would be a Minister for all sectors of education. That includes Irish Medium.
“I did not give a view (on the east Belfast school) in the meeting. It was mentioned at the very end. It’s a matter for the LCC why they decided to put that in their statement.”
Mr Givan was speaking as he officially opened a new £6.3m school for Roe Valley Integrated Primary School.
He added:”The opening of any new school building is something to be enjoyed, however, a building is only part of what makes a school. It is the pupils and teachers who are the heartbeat of the building.
“I commend the staff, pupils and parents for their hard work and dedication over the last number of years as work has progressed through design to the planning and construction phases, culminating in today’s official opening.”
Loyalists call on DUP education minister to block integrated Irish school in east Belfast
