Education Committee boycott is an affront to democratic scrutiny, says Burrows

Education Committee boycott is an affront to democratic scrutiny, says Burrows

Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA has criticised the continued withdrawal of senior Department of Education officials from the Assembly's Education Committee at the direction of the Education Minister, and called for the Committee to use its formal powers to secure their attendance.

Jon Burrows MLA said:

“The Education Minister cannot simply decide that his officials will no longer appear before the Education Committee. That is not how democratic accountability works.

“Of course MLAs must question officials fairly and properly. Nobody is suggesting otherwise. But that cannot become a reason for Ministers or Departments to avoid difficult questions. The Committee is there to scrutinise decisions, examine performance and hold those responsible for public services to account.

“Look at what is happening across our schools. Buildings in need of investment, children with special educational needs struggling to get the support they require, and teachers and classroom assistants working under enormous pressure. These are not minor issues. They affect children, parents and staff every day, and the people responsible for addressing them must be prepared to answer questions.

“I am particularly concerned that the Department's Permanent Secretary appears to support the Minister's position. The most senior civil servant in the Department should understand the importance of accountability to elected representatives.

“The Education Committee now needs to stand up for itself. The Chair, Nick Mathison MLA, should be decisive, and I have already made clear that we should use the Committee's formal powers to summon the relevant officials if that is what it takes.

“No Minister gets to decide whether their Department is subject to scrutiny. No senior official gets to opt out of accountability. The Committee has a job to do, and it must be allowed to do it.”