One of the pressing issues facing ministers at Stormont is the question of
reading and maths standards, particularly among schoolchildren in
disadvantaged communities.
The issue has become urgent thanks to years of inadequate efforts to improve
these skills among key groups of pupils.
Although most of Northern Ireland's educational standards are laudably high,
there are pockets of underachievement, with particular concerns about the
underperformance of Protestant children in deprived parts of Belfast.It is
vital therefore that prompt action is taken as soon as possible to make up
for the years of missed opportunity.
With every summer that passes, thousands more children go through a system
that is, quite frankly, failing some of its most disadvantaged pupils.
So why, then, as the summer slowdown looms, is Education Minister Catriona
Ruane delaying publication of a critical maths and reading consultation
paper for two months simply to have it translated into Irish.
One is tempted to conclude her decision is designed to make a political
point. There is no valid reason why the document can not be released
immediately, with the Irish translation following once it is ready.
This is too important an issue to delay any further, Minister.
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