'Small Minority' Blocking Change, Insists Ruane

Education Minister Caitriona Ruane has insisted she will not resign over the '11 Plus' fiasco, maintaining she "has a job to do".

The Minister, speaking on Radio Ulster this morning, said a "small minority" are blocking changes to the Northern Ireland education system.

Ms Ruane maintained there would be no selection examination for Primary 7 pupils next year.

During the radio interview the Minister fielded questions from beleaguered parents and teachers.

One dismayed Primary 6 teacher asked what she should be teaching her class.

Ms Ruane said 'clear guidance' has been laid down in the curriculum and insisted she has met with secondary school heads, who have supported her amendments to academic selection.

Ms Ruane said: "People right across the north understand exactly what's happening here.

"There's a small minority of people who are trying to block change.

"I'm moving forward with a range of proposals, broadening the curriculum, dealing with the 12,000 young people that we're failing every year."

When asked why her party had refused to meet with the rest of the Executive, Ms Ruane said she has a memorandum of proposals ready to be dispatched.

But she said Sinn Fein is still seeking "equal co-operation" around the Executive table and collaboration on issues agreed at St Andrews.

The Minister was quizzed whether she would consider stepping aside if progress over education matters continued to stall, to which Ms Ruane argued she "has a job to do".

Last night, the Minister warned of action against rebel schools who provide support to pupils sitting independent school selection tests.

"I want to make it clear that if any school is found to be flouting the law, I will take action," said the Minister.

Ms Ruane has planned a temporary three-year system of tests, which will gradually bring selection to an end.

However, many grammar schools have said they are planning to set their own tests.

During Assembly question time yesterday, Ms Ruane rejected claims by fellow MLAs that schools and parents were confused about the future of academic testing.

Meanwhile, Caitríona Ruane, has separately turned down a development proposal to allow for the establishment of an Irish-medium post-primary college, Coláiste Speirín, in Cookstown.

The Minister said: "My Department has a duty to encourage and facilitate the provision of Irish-medium education, but I must be satisfied that proposals for a new school will lead to viable schools providing good quality education for their pupils.

"I recognise that there is a demand for post-primary provision in the area and there needs to be a full exploration of options which could deliver sustainable provision," she said, noting that Coláiste Speirín had six pupils enrolled during 2007/08.

"The 2008/09 intake was three new pupils. To qualify for funding the school would have needed an intake of 50 new pupils," she explained.

(PR)(BMcC)