A number of parents whose children attend De La Salle College are to meet with West Belfast MP Paul Maskey today to discuss the continuing stand-off at the Andersonstown school.

Several parents took to the gates of the post-primary last week to protest over the level of staff absenteeism and the effect it is having on their children approaching exam time. The protests are currently continuing as parents stand at the gates for an hour each day and have told Daily Belfast they intend to do so until the situation is resolved to their satisfaction.

Mr Maskey said he is keen to hear from all parents and added all involved with the school are “working hard behind the scenes to find a resolution”.

“One of the reasons behind the meeting today is to let parents and pupils know that they have my 100 per cent support, we need to plan what lies ahead and see what options are available to our students because at the end of the day it’s their education that matters most,” he said.

“The current situation has been very hard for the pupils and they have suffered and we, certainly I, don’t want to see any pupil hamstrung in any future employment chances that come their way.

“I know parents want this current situation resolved as soon as possible. The school can’t go on like this and it’s proving detrimental to all involved. Morale in the school is very low. La Salle has always been a pillar for excellent education. We just need to get over this hurdle.”