Education leak 'disrespectful' to Assembly

Ulster Unionist MLA Danny Kinahan has expressed dissatisfaction at a Department of Education information leak ahead of a Ministerial statement, after Caitriona Ruane said just hours previously that she could not "impart" details to Assembly members.

"My Party colleague Danny Kennedy raised a point of order in the house, in relation to information leaked to media which gave chapter and verse on an issue before information was made available to Assembly members.

"I had asked the Minster to divulge details as to the future of education and library boards, if the Education and Skills Authority (ESA) is not in place by January 1, just hours before these details - which she claimed she could not "impart" - miraculously appeared across national media.

"This is virtually the first issue that anyone raises with me at constituency level. Parents obviously, and quite rightly, feel that children should come before politics. However, the Minister refuses to work with other Parties and come up with an agreed solution and a way forward on education. Not only that, but she clearly has no respect for the House.

"I am concerned and highly dissatisfied that details of that statement - which could not be relayed to members - found their way to the press. I join my colleague in asking the Speaker to investigate the matter and relay to the Minister of Education, and all Ministers, the importance of treating the processes of the Assembly with proper respect."