Official Report: Minutes of Evidence

The Chairperson (Mr Mathison): It is my intention to get agreement from the Committee on the report by considering it in sections. David, you said that you wanted to speak at the outset, and then we will move on to the process.

Mr Brooks: We are content with the report, but we do not support the repeal of article 4(1)(c) of the Education (NI) Order 1998. I understand that the Committee position on that will be different, but that is the one area on which we wish to formally place on record our objection.

The Chairperson (Mr Mathison): That is absolutely fine and has been noted.

The Committee Clerk: I will liaise with David to get a line to make sure that he is happy with how that is reflected in the report.

The Chairperson (Mr Mathison): That particular issue aside — for which, as the Clerk referenced, a line will need to be inserted — I will move through the relevant sections of the report for agreement.

"Powers and Membership" and "List of Abbreviations and Acronyms" are at pages 5 to 7. Are members agreed on those sections?

The Chairperson (Mr Mathison): Are members agreed on the "Executive Summary" and "Summary of Recommendations" sections at paragraphs 1 to 13?

The Chairperson (Mr Mathison): Are members agreed on the "Introduction" and "Committee Approach: Terms of Reference" sections at paragraphs 14 to 32?

The Chairperson (Mr Mathison): Are members agreed on the "Main Body of Report" section at paragraphs 33 to 56?

The Chairperson (Mr Mathison): Are members agreed on the "Stakeholder Event" section at paragraphs 57 to 60?

The Chairperson (Mr Mathison): Are members agreed on the "Written Submissions" section at paragraphs 61 to 100?

The Chairperson (Mr Mathison): Are members agreed on the "Committee Conclusions: Snapshot" section at paragraphs 101 to 142?

The Chairperson (Mr Mathison): Are members agreed on the "Key Committee Recommendations" section at paragraph 143?

The Chairperson (Mr Mathison): Are members agreed on the "Links to Appendices" section at page 49?

The Chairperson (Mr Mathison): We have agreement on all those sections. Can I get members' agreement to publish the report and correspondence received in relation to the report on the Committee's web page?

The Chairperson (Mr Mathison): Can I get members' agreement to provide a link to the report to the organisations that provided oral evidence?

The Chairperson (Mr Mathison): Can I get members' agreement on the content of the draft press release for issue?

The Chairperson (Mr Mathison): I formally thank all those who took the time to contribute to the report in writing, by submitting a survey reply or by providing oral evidence to the Committee. Their input was greatly valued, and I hope that the report will go some way to shaping the ongoing reform of special educational needs provision in Northern Ireland.

Finally, I need agreement to publish the report. Are we agreed?