AQO 1840/22-27 Oral question to the Minister of Education
To ask the Minister of Education to outline when he will repeal Article 4(1)(c) of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998.
Asked by Peter McReynolds MLA on 27 March 2025
- Answered
- Oral
- Answered in the Chamber
- Tabled
- 27 March 2025
- Answer due by
- 7 April 2025
- Answered
- 7 April 202511 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Education
- Priority question
- No
Answer
Answered in the Assembly Chamber on 7 April 2025. Extract from the Official Report (Hansard), including any supplementary questions:
Mr Givan (The Minister of Education)
As Minister, I do not have the power to repeal article 4(1)(c). That would be a matter for the Assembly. I am considering whether to bring any such proposals to the Executive.
Mr McReynolds
Minister, I raised the issue with you on 30 April 2024. Why has nothing changed in almost a year?
Mr Givan
It is an issue on which differing views have been expressed, particularly by those in our schools who have to navigate what can be very difficult challenges. I moved to establish a working group and invited participants to be part of that so that we can look at what guidance can be provided. The outworkings of that will provide a better understanding on which to base a decision on whether to repeal the article.
Mr Speaker
Question 2 has been withdrawn.