Richard Harrington has said of reports that a pupil at Queens School has contracted Swine Flu, and the consequential closing of the school:

“It is very distressing to see that Swine Flu has reached this part of the country and that it continues to affect so many people. Our thoughts are with those affected and their families at this distressing time. We are all hoping for a full and speedy recovery.

“It has been reassuring to see how decisively and effectively the school and local authorities have dealt with this development. I hope this will reassure others that we are prepared for dealing with this kind of emergency.”