The Establishment of the Education Authority

Congress views with profound regret the establishment of the Education Authority which falls lamentably short of fulfilling the basis for an effective cross-sectoral body for the delivery of an education service in Northern Ireland. Congress believes that the rejection of an all-embracing Education and Skills Authority represents a sadly missed opportunity and has the potential to be a serious impediment to inclusivity and a shared future. Congress notes with concern that the Education Authority will have no community or trade union representation. Congress asserts that a genuinely shared education system which provides equality for all children and young people cannot be built on unrepresentative vested interests. Congress demands that the Northern Ireland Assembly reconsider these structures and establishes an authority which can truly reflect the needs and concerns of children, young people and the education workforce. National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers.