Latest Developments
Education Committee stage of the Education Bill
At its meeting on 14 November the Education Committee agreed to put forward a motion to extend the Committee stage of the Bill until 8 April. This motion was approved by the Assembly.
The Committee started receiving evidence from stakeholders at its meeting on 21 November 2012, and will continue to take evidence until January 2013.
It will then carry out a detailed scrutiny of the Bill on a clause by clause basis before providing a report on its findings to the Assembly for consideration.
15 October 2012
Education Bill Completes Second Reading
Following a debate in the Assembly on 15 October, the Education Bill passed the second stage in the legislative process with 77 votes to 15.
Opening the debate, the Education Minister said, “The Bill sets out the overall aim of education: to contribute to the spiritual, cultural, social, intellectual and physical development of children and young people, and of the community at large.”
The Bill will now progress to the Committee Stage.
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02 October 2012
Education Bill introduced to Assembly
The reform of education administration took another step forward today with the introduction of the Education Bill to the Assembly. The Education Bill will see eight education bodies replaced by the Education and Skills Authority next year.
Speaking today, Education Minister John O'Dowd said, "Today is a significant day in our journey to modernise the administration of education. The Education Bill, which began its passage through the Assembly today, will see the replacement of a 40 year old model of administration with one that better meets the needs of the 21st Century."
Minister's Statement 02 October 2012
September 2012
Executive agrees establishment of ESA
At its meeting on Thursday 20 September 2012, the Executive agreed the Education Bill which will see the establishment of the Education and Skills Authority.
Speaking after the meeting, Education Minister John O’Dowd said, “Today we have taken a significant step forward in the strategic planning and delivery of our education system; a system which will deliver educational excellence for all and will meet the needs and aspirations of our young people, helping them fulfil their potential and enhancing their life chances.”
The Education Bill will shortly be introduced to the Assembly where it will begin its legislative passage.
Minister's Statement 20 September 2012
August 2012
Statement from First and Deputy Firsty Ministers 18 July 2012
On 18 July 2012, the First and Deputy First Ministers confirmed that discussions in relation to the ESA Bill had successfully concluded. The Bill will be brought to the next meeting of the Executive in order to commence its legislative passage in the Assembly.
Full Statement by the First Minister and deputy First Minister (NI Executive website)
May 2012
ESA Planning
The Department of Education’s ESA Implementation Team (ESAIT) is currently reviewing the project plans for ESA to ensure that they are up to date and remain valid in the context of the new timescale and the ‘Heads of Agreement’ outlined by the First and Deputy First Ministers in November 2011.
Following the introduction of the legislation, ESAIT will be working closely with the education sector organisations to fully implement the reform programme and ensure that ESA is established in 2013.
