AQO 2311/11-15

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 21/06/2012
Answered On Date: 04/07/2012
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education whether he can give an assurance that Integrated Schools will not be discriminated against in the Area Planning Process.

Answer:

I have commissioned the Education and Library Boards to draw up plans for education provision in their areas. When doing so, they will work with the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools. The Boards and CCMS have statutory responsibility for planning in their sectors.

The Terms of Reference for area planning also require the Boards to engage with the NICIE and CnaG when drawing up their plans. This will include the integrated sector.

The Boards will launch their plans on 5 July for public consultation. The consultation period will run until the end of October. In November the Boards will examine the responses and submit final drafts to my Department. I aim to be able to approve the plans by the end of December.

During the planning and consultation periods all sectors and interests will have a chance to give their views.