Menu
19/11/2002
Kennedy meets UUP and Alliance to discuss education
Direct-rule education minister Jane Kennedy has held separate meetings today with representatives of the Ulster Unionist and Alliance parties to discuss a range of educational issues.
Ms Kennedy discussed the review of post-primary education with Danny Kennedy, Roy Beggs and other representatives of the Ulster Unionist Party, and later with Eileen Bell and David Ford from the Alliance Party.
Speaking after the meetings, Ms Kennedy said: “I was glad to have the opportunity today to discuss current education issues with local politicians. The meetings provided an opportunity to discuss the Review of Post-Primary Education with both parties. As I recently announced, the Transfer Tests will be abolished as soon as practical. I want to build on consensus and the Review of Post-Primary Education will be taken forward with the aim of developing new, fairer arrangements that will raise standards and provide an education system fit for a modern society.”
Welcoming a commitment from Ms Kennedy to consult with his party over the Education and Libraries Bill, UUP MLA Danny Kennedy said: “The Minister was receptive to our views on a wide range of education matters and agreed that she would consult with us before the Education and Libraries Bill is published as a Draft Order in Council.
“On the Burns Report we also reinforced out belief that academic selection will continue to form an important part of the selection process and that we expect to be consulted in full during ongoing deliberations on this issue.”
However, Mr Kennedy hit out at what he called "the chaos created by the former Minister’s decision on the abolition of the 11-plus examination" and the timescale of November 2004 which he described as being "completely unrealistic".
He concluded: “We impressed on the Minister that a suitable alternative could not be in place by that date and she intimated that although that might be the target date it was not set in stone.”
The meetings, which were requested by the respective political parties, were held this afternoon at Castle Buildings.
(MB)
Ms Kennedy discussed the review of post-primary education with Danny Kennedy, Roy Beggs and other representatives of the Ulster Unionist Party, and later with Eileen Bell and David Ford from the Alliance Party.
Speaking after the meetings, Ms Kennedy said: “I was glad to have the opportunity today to discuss current education issues with local politicians. The meetings provided an opportunity to discuss the Review of Post-Primary Education with both parties. As I recently announced, the Transfer Tests will be abolished as soon as practical. I want to build on consensus and the Review of Post-Primary Education will be taken forward with the aim of developing new, fairer arrangements that will raise standards and provide an education system fit for a modern society.”
Welcoming a commitment from Ms Kennedy to consult with his party over the Education and Libraries Bill, UUP MLA Danny Kennedy said: “The Minister was receptive to our views on a wide range of education matters and agreed that she would consult with us before the Education and Libraries Bill is published as a Draft Order in Council.
“On the Burns Report we also reinforced out belief that academic selection will continue to form an important part of the selection process and that we expect to be consulted in full during ongoing deliberations on this issue.”
However, Mr Kennedy hit out at what he called "the chaos created by the former Minister’s decision on the abolition of the 11-plus examination" and the timescale of November 2004 which he described as being "completely unrealistic".
He concluded: “We impressed on the Minister that a suitable alternative could not be in place by that date and she intimated that although that might be the target date it was not set in stone.”
The meetings, which were requested by the respective political parties, were held this afternoon at Castle Buildings.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 August 2018
Call For Entire Education System In NI To Be Reviewed
The Alliance Party and SDLP are calling for the entire education system in Northern Ireland to be reviewed after it was revealed that the Education Authority (EA) considered taking away all school crossing patrols.
Call For Entire Education System In NI To Be Reviewed
The Alliance Party and SDLP are calling for the entire education system in Northern Ireland to be reviewed after it was revealed that the Education Authority (EA) considered taking away all school crossing patrols.
30 October 2002
Kennedy slammed over plans to abolish 11-plus
The minister responsible of Northern Ireland's education portfolio has pledged to push ahead with the abolition of the 11-plus transfer procedure. In answer to a written question from the UUP's Roy Beggs in the House of Commons yesterday, Jane Kennedy said "there was a clear demand for change".
Kennedy slammed over plans to abolish 11-plus
The minister responsible of Northern Ireland's education portfolio has pledged to push ahead with the abolition of the 11-plus transfer procedure. In answer to a written question from the UUP's Roy Beggs in the House of Commons yesterday, Jane Kennedy said "there was a clear demand for change".
29 November 2001
Education seminars discuss future of education in NI
The Review Body on Post-Primary Education has been involved in a series of Information Seminars for teachers and other educationalists designed to clarify the proposals outlined in its vision report about education for the 21st century in Northern Ireland.
Education seminars discuss future of education in NI
The Review Body on Post-Primary Education has been involved in a series of Information Seminars for teachers and other educationalists designed to clarify the proposals outlined in its vision report about education for the 21st century in Northern Ireland.
24 November 2003
Holylands conference to tackle local issues
A conference is being held in Belfast’s Holyland area this week to discuss relationships between university students and local residents. The conference comes as an audit aimed at identifying the needs and concerns of all people living in the Holyland nears its conclusion.
Holylands conference to tackle local issues
A conference is being held in Belfast’s Holyland area this week to discuss relationships between university students and local residents. The conference comes as an audit aimed at identifying the needs and concerns of all people living in the Holyland nears its conclusion.
20 November 2013
Higher Education Contributes £1bn Annually
Northern Ireland's higher education institutions contribute almost £1bn annually to the economy, according to Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry.
Higher Education Contributes £1bn Annually
Northern Ireland's higher education institutions contribute almost £1bn annually to the economy, according to Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Any rain along the north coast soon clearing north to give a dry evening. Further rain will move south and east in the early hours, occasionally heavy. Remaining mild. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
