Debate contribution: Teaching Unions: Ministerial Engagement

Debate contribution by Mr Paul Givan on 14 September 2026.

MLA: Mr Paul Givan
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 14 September 2026
Type: Debate contribution (made as a minister)
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Teaching Unions: Ministerial Engagement
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5685651

Text

It is quite the opposite. I am listening. That is why I have acted. I commissioned the independent panel that identified the 27 recommendations. I approved the departmental response by way of the action plan to implement the changes that are needed. I engaged constructively with the trade unions, whose executive bodies have been supportive of the way in which we will take the matter forward. The ballot was held when the engagement with the Labour Relations Agency had not taken place. That is an ongoing process, and it needs to be given the opportunity to reach its conclusion. We will then go about implementing the changes. Nobody should be advocating industrial action in our education system. Nobody should be advocating action short of strike. All of that creates instability in our school settings. I therefore trust that all Members will encourage a positive resolution to be reached rather than move people to the point of engaging in strike action. I am determined to avoid that happening. I believe that the leaders of the trade union bodies are in the same place. Let us see whether we can get that outcome.

191 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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