Integrated Education 2020-12-02
2020-12-02
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questions progress on the commitment made under the Fresh Start agreement to integrate education and mentions that £500 million has been provided for this initiative.
What assessment does he have of progress towards integrated education in Northern Ireland? The Government provided £500 million for development, but only £31 million was spent by 2019-20. Is the establishment of an independent fiscal council necessary to ensure proper delivery?
The Government is committed to integrated education in Northern Ireland. £500 million was provided under the Fresh Start agreement for the development of shared schools, with £31 million spent by 2019-20 and full funding committed through 2025-26. An independent fiscal council could support accountability on delivery and other fiscal matters.
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Assessment & feedback
The exact commitment to establish an independent fiscal council was not given, only that it could support accountability.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP references the Good Friday agreement and highlights the opportunity presented by the New Decade, New Approach deal to drive progress on shared education.
Integrated education is a major unfulfilled legacy of the Good Friday agreement. Is it time to seize the opportunity given by the New Decade, New Approach deal to drive real progress on shared education that builds a fairer society?
Yes, it is time to seize the opportunity presented by the New Decade, New Approach deal to drive real progress on shared education that builds a fairer society.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP mentions hosting the Integrated Education Fund and having a positive cross-party discussion about supporting integrated education despite the pandemic.
Will the Secretary of State and Minister commit to doing all they can to support delivery of shared education, as part of fulfilling a legacy work from the Good Friday agreement?
I agree with the hon. Lady about the importance of this issue. Under New Decade, New Approach, the Executive agreed to establish a programme focusing on educating children together to build a shared society. I have met Northern Irish parties and share their ambition to speed up delivery.
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Assessment & feedback
A direct commitment was not given; instead, agreement on the importance of the issue and some progress were acknowledged.
Response accuracy