Post by earl on Mar 5, 2008 17:11:53 GMT
Ruane accused of snub to Protestants on education body
Protestants must be allowed to play a role in planning schools for the future in Northern Ireland, it has been claimed.
Education Minister Caitriona Ruane came under fire at the Assembly yesterday when it emerged that a new group which will oversee area-based planning of the schools estate does not include anyone from the Transferor Representatives' Council.
The Dean of Belfast, Rev Houston McKelvey, reacted strongly, saying "it seems like there is equality for everyone, except the Protestant churches".
Ms Ruane said that the central group will involve representatives from the education boards; Catholic school, Irish-medium, grammar and integrated school sectors; trade unions; the inspectorate; the Department for Employment and Learning and college representatives; an educational expert from the Irish Republic and a representative from the Education and Skills Authority Implementation Team.
Five area groups must submit final reports to the central group by the end of October 2008. Consultation on the area plans will be completed by January 2009.
Speaking from Australia, Dean McKelvey said: "The churches have provided the State with first class representation but for the State to do this is sadly not that unexpected.
"It seems like there is equality for everyone, except the Protestant churches. It is interesting to contrast what is happening in Northern Ireland with the increased respect for church schools of all denominations in England and here in Australia."
The DUP's Sammy Wilson, Assembly Education committee chair, said: "I think the minister is picking an unnecessary fight.
"She has included everyone else on the group, including someone from the South. The minister should say that it was an oversight and that she will now include Protestant Church representatives. End of story."
Mr Wilson's colleague Alastair Ross said: "The Protestant clergy have played a hugely significant role in education here for many, many years, yet today in the House the minister once again displayed her stubbornness by refusing to ensure that there is cross-the-board representation on her central planning group."
A Department of Education spokesman said: "The minister has said that she has listened to concerns expressed and will look at how the TRC can be part of the Area Based Planning process."
Protestants must be allowed to play a role in planning schools for the future in Northern Ireland, it has been claimed.
Education Minister Caitriona Ruane came under fire at the Assembly yesterday when it emerged that a new group which will oversee area-based planning of the schools estate does not include anyone from the Transferor Representatives' Council.
The Dean of Belfast, Rev Houston McKelvey, reacted strongly, saying "it seems like there is equality for everyone, except the Protestant churches".
Ms Ruane said that the central group will involve representatives from the education boards; Catholic school, Irish-medium, grammar and integrated school sectors; trade unions; the inspectorate; the Department for Employment and Learning and college representatives; an educational expert from the Irish Republic and a representative from the Education and Skills Authority Implementation Team.
Five area groups must submit final reports to the central group by the end of October 2008. Consultation on the area plans will be completed by January 2009.
Speaking from Australia, Dean McKelvey said: "The churches have provided the State with first class representation but for the State to do this is sadly not that unexpected.
"It seems like there is equality for everyone, except the Protestant churches. It is interesting to contrast what is happening in Northern Ireland with the increased respect for church schools of all denominations in England and here in Australia."
The DUP's Sammy Wilson, Assembly Education committee chair, said: "I think the minister is picking an unnecessary fight.
"She has included everyone else on the group, including someone from the South. The minister should say that it was an oversight and that she will now include Protestant Church representatives. End of story."
Mr Wilson's colleague Alastair Ross said: "The Protestant clergy have played a hugely significant role in education here for many, many years, yet today in the House the minister once again displayed her stubbornness by refusing to ensure that there is cross-the-board representation on her central planning group."
A Department of Education spokesman said: "The minister has said that she has listened to concerns expressed and will look at how the TRC can be part of the Area Based Planning process."
