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Education

The questions the Minister refused to answer

Ruane refusing to answer questions on transfer test

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

By Kathryn Torney

The Education Minister has refused to answer key questions on the future of the school transfer system triggering a rift with her Assembly committee, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal today.

The dispute emerged between the education committee and Caitriona Ruane after she issued a shock reply to a letter from the 11 members - stating it was "not possible" for her to reply to their 29 detailed questions.

The cross-party group wrote to the Minister in December after she decided to replace the 11-plus exam with a system of transfer at the age of 14, without the use of academic selection.

The committee's questions include asking for the estimated cost of restructuring of the schools' estate, how the Minister plans to avoid selection by postcode and the related pressure on the housing market, where resources will come from to invest in secondary schools to make them as appealing as grammars, how oversubscription will be dealt with, detail on admissions criteria and how she will decide which schools become schools catering for 11-14-year-olds or 11-19-year-old pupils.

Replying on behalf of the Minister, Departmental Assembly Liaison Officer John Leonard said that the Minister plans to have follow-up meetings with key stakeholders and will provide written replies to the committee's questions " as soon as she is in a position to do so".

Ms Ruane has said that from 2010 admissions criteria will be based on geography, community and family. However, Finance Minister Peter Robinson warned yesterday that any attempt to abolish academic selection will fail as it will not achieve the Executive approval needed.

The DUP's Sammy Wilson, chair of the committee, said he was shocked that the Minister had refused to answer any of the questions and accused her of being "secretive and unco-operative" .

He said: "She should have at least some idea about things like the cost and what the implications are for schools.

"These questions were endorsed by the committee members and are ones that the public want answers to as well. There is either an unwillingness or inability to explain her policy. The Minister has also turned down requests from us for her to meet with the committee."

Mr Wilson added that the committee would not provide a written submission to the Minister until she answered the questions or talks to the committee.

However, Sinn Fein's Paul Butler, who is also a member of the education committee, defended his party colleague.

He said: "The committee does have a right to ask questions but there is a consultation process taking place and the Minister has said that she will bring forward more details when she can.

"I would like to see the committee playing a more constructive role and working with the Minister to get through this period."

Mr Butler also denied that he had endorsed the questions being sent.

A Department of Education spokesman said: "The development of new arrangements for transfer to post primary schools from 2010 is a key priority for the Education Minister.

"Over recent weeks the Minister has met with key stakeholders including the education spokespersons for the main political parties. This process of engagement is continuing and when completed the Minister will issue more detail on her proposals.

"The Minister is also awaiting a written submission from the education committee."