AQO 3167/22-27

Mr Eóin Tennyson
Alliance Party
Upper Bann

Tabled Date: 12/02/2026
Answered On Date: 24/02/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the appointment of an Independent Planning Commission.

Answer:

My Department has set out its proposals for a Five-Year Education Budget Strategy. Consultation on the strategy closes on 3 April 2026.

The strategy includes proposals to restructure the school estate and within that context an Independent Planning Commission may be appointed to lead on this work. I will make a decision on the establishment of an Independent Planning Commission and process for doing so, if applicable, after the responses to the consultation have been considered.