AQW 48865/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 17/06/2026
Answered On Date: 25/06/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education for an update on (i) the action contained within his TransformED Delivery plan to bring forward legislation to ensure that the statutory arrangements for inspection are robust and operate effectively in all circumstances; and (ii) any cost incurred as a result of this action.

Answer:

The Education Inspections Bill was formally introduced to the Assembly on 19 May 2026 and Second Stage completed on 1 June. The Bill is currently in Committee Stage. There have been no notable costs associated with this action.

This Bill is both critical and urgent. It will remove inspection from the context of industrial relations and restore stability to a vital accountability process. The motion to extend Committee Stage to 9 December, tabled without prior consultation with the Department, creates a significant risk to the progression of the Bill prior to the end of the mandate.

I welcome the Member’s comments during the debate that 9 December is not a target and the Committee will seek to progress more quickly. I remain committed to working constructively with the Committee to support the timely passage of this Executive Bill.