Foster – Fermanagh school closures are “a matter of importance” Fermanagh & South Tyrone DUP MLA Arlene Foster has asked the Speaker to review Section 28B of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. This relates to any 30 MLAs being able to petition the Assembly to refer a Ministerial decision to the Executive. Mrs. Foster met with the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Speaker on Tuesday evening after Mr McLaughlin ruled that the Education Minister’s decision to approve the closure of the Collegiate Grammar and Portora Royal Schools was not ‘a matter of public importance’. However, this deals with only part of the petition i.e. section 28B (1) (b). Commenting after the meeting Mrs. Foster said, “The legislation states that “a matter of public importance” may be referred to the Executive by the Assembly if 30 MLAs petition the Speaker. By ruling not to refer the closure of these schools, the Speaker is ruling that this issue is not of ‘public importance.’ I am mystified as to how the closure of two schools is not ‘a matter of public importance’. My concerns about the Minister’s decision have already gained the support of the Assembly through a motion and have garnered over 7000 signatures in the constituency. I have asked the Speaker to reflect on his decision and furnished him with all the relevant information. If this is not ‘a matter of public importance’, the Speaker should define what would meet the threshold. I am bitterly disappointed by the initial decision but I look forward to the outcome of his review of the matter. This is not the end of the matter. Whilst the Education Minister has attempted to drive through this closure of two highly successful grammar schools I have always stated that we will use every available mechanism to oppose something which is not in the best interests of parents, teachers or pupils.” Note to editors Section 28B of Northern Ireland Act 1998 states: (1) This section applies if 30 members petition the Assembly expressing concern that a decision taken by a Minister or junior Minister (“the Ministerial decision”)— (a) may have been taken in contravention of section 28A(1); or (b) relates to a matter of public importance. (2) But this section does not apply if the Ministerial decision has previously been the subject of a reference under this section. (3) If the Presiding Officer, after consulting the political parties whose members hold seats in the Assembly, certifies that the Ministerial decision relates to a matter of public importance, he shall refer the decision to the Executive Committee for its consideration.
Posted on: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 21:20:01 +0000
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