Latest developments
The Minister for Education has launched a 12 week public consultation which will end on the 7th August 2009 to seek views on the reform of public administration for the Education System.
The Consultation documents are available to download from the Departments website at the following Addresses:
Consultation on Review of Public Administration (RPA) for Education System - English Version PDF 174KB
Consultation on Review of Public Administration (RPA) for Education System - Irish Version PDF 177KB
Public meetings on Promoting Equality through the Review of Public Administration will be held at the following venues:-
South West College, Dungannon Campus, 28 May 2008, 10.00am – 12.30pm
Derry City Hotel, 29 May 2009, 10.00am – 12.30pm
Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, 1 June 2009, 10.00am – 12.30pm
For further details please telephone 028 91279978.
You can find general information about the RPA and the RPA policy papers on the RPA section of the Department's website.
Review of Public Administration information
In her speech to the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday 8 December the Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, referring to the Outline Business Case (OBC) for RPA in Education confirmed that:
I have asked for copies to be placed on my department’s website, and in the Assembly Library.
The full OBC can be viewed via the link below.
Outline Business Case for RPA in Education PDF 938KB
Education Minister's statement to the Assembly on 8 December launching the Second Stage of the Education Bill (NIA3/08).
Education Minister's statement to the Assembly on 25 November introducing legislation to establish the Education and Skills Authority.
The Department has produced a summary of the first Bill to establish the Education and Skills Authority, introduced to the Assembly on 25 November.
The document is a very brief summary of the provisions in the Education Bill and is not intended to be a definitive description of any of the provisions.
The Bill, together with the Explanatory and Financial Memorandum, can be viewed or downloaded on the NI Assembly’s website via the link below.
Summary of First Education Bill PDF 37KB
First Education Bill together with Explanatory and Financial Memorandum
Two Equality Impact Assessment screening forms relating to two high-level policy areas of the RPA have been issued by the Department of Education for public consultation. The closing date for both consultations is the 10 March 2008. The two screening forms and related documents are included below:
Implications for School Boards of Governors note from Permanent Secretary Will Haire PDF 20 KB
Policy Paper 5 - Governance and Accountability Screening Form PDF 64 KB
Cover Note for the EQIA from Permanent Secretary Will Haire PDF 20 KB
Policy Paper 9: Youth Services Screening form PDF 82 KB
The public consultation has now opened on the RPA Policy Paper 'The future of Sectoral Support Post RPA'. The policy communicates the Department's decision to provide funding for professional support for sectoral interests after the implementation of the RPA and sets out the types of activities it sees as appropriate to be supported in this way.
All comments are welcomed, and the consultation will close on 14 December 2007
The Education Minister Caitríona Ruane, held the first business meeting with the Chairpersons of RPA affected groups on Wednesday 10 October 2007. Her statement to the Chairpersons can be accessed below.
Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane has written to teachers and schools informing them of the latest developments to progressing the Review of Public Administration. The letter can be accessed below.
Minister's address to Chairs of RPA affected groups
Education Minister Caitríona Ruane addressed the Chairs of RPA affected groups at a meeting in Lisburn on 31st July 2007. Her speech can be accessed below.
Minister's letter to staff 19 July 2007
Education Minister Caitríona Ruane was speaking following a meeting of the Executive Committee, where she presented her plans for implementing the Review of Public Administration proposals for education. Included below is a letter issued to all staff within the Department and a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Meetings with stakeholders
In her statement of 22 November 2005 the Education Minister, Angela Smith, gave a commitment that officials from the Department of Education (DE) would meet with key stakeholders to discuss the Review of Public Administration.
The initial round of these meetings have now taken place, and have identified a range of issues that need further work. These meetings have been useful for all concerned.
DE Internal Review
Work on the Internal Review of DE functions is nearing completion. The purpose of the review was to establish which of the functions performed by the Department would transfer to the Education and Skills Authority in 2009.
On completion the Minister will make a decision on the Internal Review and we will let DE staff and Education stakeholders know the outcome as soon as possible.
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