Primary schools across troubled north Belfast were tonight given a cash injection to counter the effects of the recently halted Holy Cross school protest and on going inter-community street violence.
Ministers in the devolved Stormont Executive agreed a £1.5 million (sterling) package of financial assistance for the schools and youth service in the area.
Each of 13 primary schools will receive £20,000 this school year and a further £10,000 next year to spend on additional support for their pupils and staff - to be spent according to their particular needs and circumstances.
The extra resources for the youth service will provide a youth tutor in each secondary school. They will teach part of the week and work in youth clubs in the evenings.
The Northern Ireland Education Minister, Mr Martin McGuinness, whose department proposed the package, said it would provide immediate support for schools and contribute towards the rebuilding of community relationships.
PA