McNarry comments on Bain Review Findings
Commenting following the publication of Sir George Bain’s report on ‘Schools for the Future’, Ulster Unionist Education Spokesperson David McNarry has said:
“I have been calling for the department to put in place a sustainable schools policy for some time. So, now that the Bain review has published its conclusions, we finally have the basic framework of a strategy.
“Various organisations within the education sector can now make their own assessment on the review’s findings. I will be considering the full implications of this extremely detailed and wide-ranging report, and will consult closely with education stakeholders over the coming days before making my full views known to government.”
He added: “Sir George Bain says that the argument for rationalising the schools’ estate is about giving the children of Northern Ireland an excellent education that will benefit both them and the society in which they live.
“In the final analysis, if the UUP and Sir George disagree over the details, we are at least united in our shared desire to promote excellence within an innovative, well-resourced and world-class Northern Ireland education system.”
Concluding he said: “ The report should present an early opportunity for the Assembly to debate and then pronounce on its findings. I am prepared to initiate such a debate should the Secretary of State fail to do so.”