Debate contribution: Economy/Education: Engagement
Debate contribution by Dr Caoimhe Archibald on .
- MLA
- Dr Caoimhe Archibald
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 14 September 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Economy/Education: Engagement
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5685459
Read the official Assembly record
Text
With your permission, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle,
I will answer questions 2 and 9 together. I have engaged with the Minister of Education on a range of issues relating to learner pathways, curriculum reform and participation in education and training. While officials from my Department and the Department of Education engage regularly, engagement on the draft framework has been limited to date. The Department of Education is consulting on the draft framework, and my officials are working with the further education sector to help inform my Department's response. I am aware of, and share, some of the concerns expressed by teachers, parents and students regarding aspects of the TransformED agenda. Those concerns warrant careful consideration. I support efforts to encourage young people to remain engaged in education, skills and training. However, significant questions remain regarding the practical implementation and enforceability of proposals to extend participation to age 18. Further work by the Department of Education is required before implementation can be considered.
161 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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