Debate contribution: Education Inspections Bill: Second Stage
Debate contribution by Mrs Cathy Mason on .
- MLA
- Mrs Cathy Mason
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 1 June 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Executive Committee Business
- Heading
- Education Inspections Bill: Second Stage
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5581726
Read the official Assembly record
Text
On your point about ChatGPT, I am sure that the many teachers who contacted me over the weekend will be deeply offended by what you have just said, because I am repeating what they said to me, including the fears and concerns that they raised. On your other point, you clearly have no respect for the democratic process. Mr Buckley, I remind you that, just last week, at Second Stage, you voted against the Hunting with Dogs Bill. You tried not to allow it to go through to the next stage to be debated because you did not believe in the intent of that Bill. I will continue. The Chamber should send a clear message today that we value our teachers, respect workers' rights and understand that the answer to the challenges facing education is not to punish those working on the front line. To every teacher who is watching the debate today — I am sure that they are horrified — I say this: Sinn Féin has your back. We will stand up for your rights. We will make sure that your voice is heard despite the Minister, and we will oppose any attempt to intimidate or punish teachers for taking part in lawful industrial action. Sinn Féin opposes the Bill and will vote against it today. I encourage others across the Chamber to do the same.
228 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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