LIVE UPDATES: Coronavirus NI – ‘Transfer tests should not proceed’ says Michelle O’Neill – ‘Does a child or teacher have to die?’ – Daniel McCrossan MLA accuses Education Minister of failing students and families over transfer test – First Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines will be administered in Northern Ireland today

The deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, has said the “transfer tests should not proceed” and has called on Education Minister, Peter Weir, update the Northern Ireland Executive when it meets for the first time this year on Tuesday.

One man replied directly to the deputy First Minister’s tweet accusing her of “mud-slinging”.

“I’m so glad our politicians are grown up enough to carry out their mud-slinging and business on social media,” said the man.

“Sidenote: Not defending Peter Weir for a second – but maybe the DFM could go about things a bit better practically Man shrugging,” he added.

One worried parent whose child is due to sit the transfer test, tweeted The Stephen Nolan Show on BBC Radio Ulster earlier saying: “Can you find out how this Transfer Test is safe.? Peter Weir says kids will be in class bubbles-my son isn’t. Cases rising fast and kids mixing,” said the parent.

The Education Minister, Peter Weir, has yet to issue a response to the deputy First Minister’s tweet.

SDLP MLA and Education Committee member, Daniel McCrossan, has asked Education Minister, Peter Weir, if a “child or teacher has to die before he takes this [Covid-19] situation seriously”.

Mr. McCrossan made the remarks on BBC Radio Ulster programme The Stephen Nolan Show on Monday morning – the comments were in reference to the transfer test which is due to go ahead this coming weekend.

“This minister has failed to act and he knows he is going to be in breach of the medical and scientific advice and it is on his shoulders that this does not happen.

“The minister is intent on breaching the integrity of children’s bubbles and putting them into large exam halls next week – that is going to cause serious issues, not only just for young people but their families and it also going to have an additional knock on effect on our health service that is being crippled by the pressures on them at this present time.”

Mr. McCrossan also accused the Education Minister of putting the transfer test before the safety of school children and their families.

“What is it going to take for this minister to listen?

“Will a child or a teacher have to die first before the minister will listen,” added Mr. McCrossan.

We have asked the Department of Education if it would like to issue a response.