Education Minister says changes to swimming lessons will save her department £80k

The Department of Education, Sports and Culture says changes to swimming lessons will save it £80,000 a year.

Last month, the department revealed it would offer 18 longer lessons rather than 26 short ones - giving youngsters and extra half an hour a year in the water.

In response to a question for written answer from Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Tim Glover, Education Minister Daphne Caine said the changes will mean 1,700 fewer bus journeys.

And she added that meant the department would save £80,000 a year.