Menu
19/02/2008
Apology Over Files That 'Fell Off The Back Of A Lorry'
While slamming a fellow MLA's motives for revealing the issue in the first place, the NI Assembly Education Minister, Caitriona Ruane has now apologised after personal files were found dumped at a Co Down roadside.
The confidential education files containing personal data on pupils and their families was discovered at the side of a road near Newry.
The files, which date back 40 years, are thought to have fallen off a trailer that was on its way to a dump in Camlough.
They were handed over to SDLP MLA Dominic Bradley at the weekend who brought the matter to the media's attention.
While Ms Ruane said his decision to go public was "politically motivated," she added: "I accept there's a problem."
The secret dossiers on about 120 pupils contained comments about threadbare clothing on 'unwashed' children and derogatory descriptions of parents.
Among the information in the files were results of doctors' examinations, data on admissions to a psychiatric institution and prosecutions for non-attendance.
However, Mr Bradley has insisted he had acted in the public interest and told the Minister and the Southern Education Board “not to shoot the messenger”.
Ms Ruane has now told fellow Assembly Members that a full investigation had begun.
"The message to say to our current children, who are worried and now watching this, is that we will do everything to make sure the records are safe," she said.
"(I want) to say to the adults who were children then we are going to be contacting them and we will totally protect their confidentiality and their identity."
The revelations came only a week after it came to light that a patient's medical file has been found in the drawer of a filing cabinet which was sold in a County Antrim charity shop.
(NS)
The confidential education files containing personal data on pupils and their families was discovered at the side of a road near Newry.
The files, which date back 40 years, are thought to have fallen off a trailer that was on its way to a dump in Camlough.
They were handed over to SDLP MLA Dominic Bradley at the weekend who brought the matter to the media's attention.
While Ms Ruane said his decision to go public was "politically motivated," she added: "I accept there's a problem."
The secret dossiers on about 120 pupils contained comments about threadbare clothing on 'unwashed' children and derogatory descriptions of parents.
Among the information in the files were results of doctors' examinations, data on admissions to a psychiatric institution and prosecutions for non-attendance.
However, Mr Bradley has insisted he had acted in the public interest and told the Minister and the Southern Education Board “not to shoot the messenger”.
Ms Ruane has now told fellow Assembly Members that a full investigation had begun.
"The message to say to our current children, who are worried and now watching this, is that we will do everything to make sure the records are safe," she said.
"(I want) to say to the adults who were children then we are going to be contacting them and we will totally protect their confidentiality and their identity."
The revelations came only a week after it came to light that a patient's medical file has been found in the drawer of a filing cabinet which was sold in a County Antrim charity shop.
(NS)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 May 2007
Revised curriculum will improve children’s future
The revised curriculum being introduced on a phased basis from September 2007 will improve children’s future prospects and raise standards in schools, local Education minister has said.
Revised curriculum will improve children’s future
The revised curriculum being introduced on a phased basis from September 2007 will improve children’s future prospects and raise standards in schools, local Education minister has said.
18 February 2008
Education Files Found At Roadside
Confidential education files containing personal information about pupils and their families have been found at the side of a road near Newry. It is thought the files, which date back 40 years, fell off a trailer that was on its way to a dump. They were handed over to SDLP MLA Dominic Bradley at the weekend.
Education Files Found At Roadside
Confidential education files containing personal information about pupils and their families have been found at the side of a road near Newry. It is thought the files, which date back 40 years, fell off a trailer that was on its way to a dump. They were handed over to SDLP MLA Dominic Bradley at the weekend.
25 June 2010
Criticism As School Building Plan Dropped
A delay in implementing plans for a new building at an Irish medium school in Twinbrook has come in for criticism. SDLP Deputy Mayor of Lisburn Cllr Brian Heading has criticised Sinn Féin Education Minister Caitriona Ruane for shelving it.
Criticism As School Building Plan Dropped
A delay in implementing plans for a new building at an Irish medium school in Twinbrook has come in for criticism. SDLP Deputy Mayor of Lisburn Cllr Brian Heading has criticised Sinn Féin Education Minister Caitriona Ruane for shelving it.
14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
26 June 2008
Bishops Question 11+ Strategy
Catholic bishops have accused The NI Education Minister Caitriona Ruane of creating "fear, uncertainty and instability" by her lack of clarity on proposals for school selection. The northern bishops say they are disappointed that, as another school year ends, key aspects of the Stormont Minister's plans remain unclear.
Bishops Question 11+ Strategy
Catholic bishops have accused The NI Education Minister Caitriona Ruane of creating "fear, uncertainty and instability" by her lack of clarity on proposals for school selection. The northern bishops say they are disappointed that, as another school year ends, key aspects of the Stormont Minister's plans remain unclear.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
