#AskDE Twitter Q&A 26 June 2014 - Transcript of questions and answers

Education Minister John O'Dowd took over the @niexecutive twitter for a live Q&A on Thursday 26 June 2014.

Minister O'Dowd answered 22 questions over the hour. The full transcript of the Q&A is available below.

@niexecutive

Education Minister John O'Dowd up next to answer your questions over the following 60 minutes. Follow #AskDE to keep track

Question 1 from @SarahC201
When is the new education campus in Omagh been built and why knock down the houses over there they could be used #askDE

Answer
@SarahC201 Construction begins January 2015 for 5 years. Existing housing needs to be demolished to make way for new schools #AskDE

Question 2 from @BionicIguana
@niexecutive #AskDE Why do we continue to allow religious indoctrination in publicly funded schools?

Answer
@Bioniclguana Schools deliver core RE topics and add to them as per ethos. Parents can withdraw children from RE class if they wish #AskDE

Question 3 from @MartyGlynn

Will the minister be releasing a statement with regards to the Bus Campaign. @niexecutive #busanois #AskDE#ÓBhéalAnChapaill

Answer
@MartyGlynn I am actively investigating how to resolve this matter #AskDE

Question 4 from @ColaisteFeirste

A Aire, an mbeidh réiteach ar Fheachtas Bus an Tuaiscirt roimh thús na scoilbhliana i Meán Fómhair? #AskDE #BusAnois

Answer
@ColaisteFeirste Tá mé ag iarraidh teacht ar réiteach chomh luath agus is feidir #AskDE

[NB Q4 is Irish version of Q3, both questions regarding bus service to Coláiste Feirste]

Question 5 from @conormccaffrey8
How do you justify destroying hard working teachers pension plans/life by changing the game 3 days before due to retire #AskDE

Answer
@conormccaffrey8 This is not a pensions issue but a redundancy issue. No final decisions yet made #AskDE

Question 6 from @Drumahoe31
Why when the Management Committee of a Vol. Playgroup requests to transform to Statutory status, do you refuse their request?#AskDE

Answer
@Drumahoe31 I consider each case on its own merits. Full rationale for decision here ow.ly/ysY1N #AskDE

Question 7 from @Drumahoe31
Why was Millennium IPS able to transform Playgroup places (27/514) to statutory provision which we are told is against DE policy? #AskDE

Answer
@Drumahoe31 Full rationale of Millennium IPS decision here ow.ly/ytdd3

Question 8 from @jrainey36
Have you any plans to put coding in the KS2 and/or KS3 curriculum? If so, when? #askDE

Answer
@jrainey36 The curriculum is flexible and schools can teach coding if they so wish#AskDE

Question 9 from @treacy_maria
#AskDE Will DE investigate prevalence of children with brain injury & explore how other DE globally support Educators training&SEN delivery

Answer
@treacy_maria No plans to investigate prevalence but appropriate support is provided for pupils with brain injury #askDE

Answer
@treacy_maria SEN teachers get specialised training to support & cater for pupils with range of complex needs #AskDE

Question 10 from @FermanaghTrust
@niexecutive when will you make announcement on which shared campus applicants have been successful? #AskDE

Answer
@FermanaghTrust I am currently finalising arrangements to announce successful bids#AskDE

Question 11 from @RicePUP
@niexecutive why continue with the closure of Newtownbreda High School when it doesn't make any sense whatsoever to do so?#AskDE

Answer
@RicePUP This is a new beginning which will ensure that current & future pupils have access to high quality education #AskDE

Question 12 from @seatzie
@niexecutive #AskDE do you not think splitting kids education based on religion is bit 19th C? how does society progress if segregated at 5?

Answer
@seatzie Parents have right to give preference for type of education they want for their children; a range of sectors are available#AskDE

Question 13 from @JFulton
What role do you see integrated education having in an inclusive and shared future?#askde

Answer
@1JFulton Integrated education will play a positive role in a shared future #AskDE

Question 14 from @maddyb50
Will the recent judicial review ruling lead to revision of Area Based Planning policy so as to meet demand for integrated education?#AskDE

Answer
@maddyb50 I plan to review internal guidance to ensure it is consistent with the judgment #AskDE

Question 15 from @SaveCGS
#AskDE Have you any response to the 7000+ people who signed a petition against the closure of the Collegiate Grammar School?

Answer
@SaveCGS Consultation on Collegiate/Portora proposal open until 14 July. Final decision after all info, including petition, collated #AskDE

Question 16 from @SPADE_ekn
@niexecutive when will Devenish College get their long awaited new build? It's been a decade and not a brick has been laid #AskDE

Answer
@SPADE_ekn New build for Devenish announced Jan 2013 to proceed in planning. Project planning ongoing #AskDE

Question 17 from @SPADE_ekn
And is it fair that we are being told that the new build can only come about if there is an amalgamation between Portora & Collegiate#AskDE

Answer
@SPADE_ekn Two build schemes not connected; Devenish will proceed whether Portora/Collegiate merger proceeds or not#AskDE

Question 18 from @allisonbreadon
#AskDE will Newtownbreda high school stay on the same ground. Or will it be moved?

Answer

@allisonbreadon Options are being examined for site for new amalgamated school #AskDE

Question 19 from @j_cask
@niexecutive Has anyone taken any responsibility for the failure of ESA? Or will this waste be continued to be swept under the carpet #AskDE

Answer
@j_cask I am preparing a paper for @niexecutive on the way forward #AskDE

Question 20 from @EybenKarin
#AskDE what is the Department's policy with regards schools that have closed and transferring asset for community use?

Answer
@EybenKarin DE is piloting projects to examine ways of transferring assets to the community #AskDE

Question 21 from @J_Cotts
@niexecutive #AskDE Why did you never meet with Newtownbreda High School, staff, pupils & concerned parents in the early stages?

Answer
@J_Cotts Yesterday the judge dismissed the case against amalgamation #AskDE

Question 22 from @VGreens
What does minister plan to do to address underachievement amongst working class, male, and protestant demographics? #askDE

Answer
@LVGreens @niexecutive’s signature literacy & numeracy scheme plus changes to school funding both targeted at disadvantaged children #AskDE

@niexecutive
That's it from me. I wish everyone a happy, safe and enjoyable summer #AskDE

Submit your question directly to the Education Minister via Twitter

Education Minister John O’Dowd will be live on Twitter at 2:30pm on Thursday 26 June answering your questions.

You can submit your question now via the hashtag #AskDE. 

The Minister will respond to as many education-related questions as time permits via the @niexecutive Twitter feed.

If you are not able to be online at 2:30pm on Thursday to see the responses live, don’t worry. All responses will remain on the @niexecutive timeline and under the hashtag #AskDE. A full transcript will also be published on this blog.

So if you have a question for the Minister, please do submit it via #AskDE and the Minister will do his best to respond.

Users should submit no more than two questions each. This will enable as many people as possible to have a chance to take part and have their query answered.

You can also submit your question in Irish. Any Irish tweets that the Minister is able to cover in the hour available will be answered in Irish. These tweets will be translated into English in the transcript that will be posted here after the Q&A has finished.

The Minister will respond to as many tweets as possible in the time available. If your particular tweet is not responded to, it may be the case that the topic is covered by a different response, so do please read them all.

Schools counselling has huge impact on young people’s mental health – O’Dowd

Counselling in school can have a significant positive impact on young people’s mental wellbeing.

That was the message from Education Minister, John O’Dowd, as he launched a report by Children’s Law Centre advisory group youth@clc into young people’s views on counselling in schools.

Speaking during a launch event in Parliament Buildings, the Minister said: “Professional counselling can be a massive support to a young person in distress. I have received many comments to this effect from pupils and staff during school visits and I know there is research available to back up this view too. This new report from youth@clc provides further evidence from those who are directly affected by school counselling – the young people themselves – and I welcome the opportunity to launch it.

“We as educationalists all face the challenge of encouraging young people to firstly recognise when they have a problem and, secondly, to seek help. There can be a stigma attached to seeking such help but I hope that the work of youth@clc, including this report, is helping to reduce any such concerns among young people. The key message to young people is that there is no shame in asking for help and that no one has to face their problems alone.

“I was struck, too, by the live performance of ‘Opening Doors’ that I attended recently at the MAC. This profound and affecting play staged by youth@clc is, I hope, helping change the attitudes of young people towards mental health.

“Over 900 counselling sessions are already provided every week by the Independent Counselling Service for Schools (ICSS). Although from one point of view this is indicative of a worrying level of distress among pupils here, I am encouraged at the uptake of the help that is available, which serves to further underline the importance of what the ICSS does.”

The Minister continued: “The youth@clc report makes six key recommendations and I plan to give them all consideration when shaping the future delivery of counselling in schools here. I commend everyone at youth@clc for the hard work and expertise they have put into compiling the report and thank them for this opportunity to launch the report’s findings.”

More information...

1. The Children’s Law Centre (CLC) works to promote the rights of children. It is the only local children’s legal charity. CLC provides free legal information, advice and representation including a free phone legal advice line for children, CHALKY. CLC also offers training and research on children’s rights, and makes submissions on law, policy and practice affecting children and young people. youth@clc is CLC’s youth advisory group.

2. Between June and November 2012, youth@clc carried out a survey of the views of Year 11 pupils on the counselling service offered by their school. The survey was conducted in 13 schools (955 pupils), across the Belfast Education and Library Board and South Eastern Education and Library Board areas. The survey was funded by the Big Lottery – Awards for All project.

3. The Department of Education’s ‘Education Works’ campaign encourages families to play, talk, read and count with their child and to ‘Get Involved Because Education Works’.The campaign highlights the vital role families can play in helping children do well at school and improve their life chances. Visithttp://www.nidirect.gov.uk/education-worksfor more information.

Watch the TV ad on the Department’s YouTube channel:http://www.youtube.com/thedeptofeducation

4. See photos from the Department of Education in our collection athttp://www.flickr.com/niexecutive

5. Media enquiries to the Department of Education’s Communications Team on Tel:028 9127 9207. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number07699715440 and your call will be returned.

O'Dowd comments following death of pupil.

Education Minister John O’Dowd has spoken following the tragic death of a primary school pupil during a school trip to Scotland.

Mr O’Dowd said: “It was with deep sadness and regret that I heard about the death of a pupil from Whiteabbey Primary School while on a school trip. My thoughts are with the child’s family and indeed the pupils, teachers and wider school community at what is a profoundly distressing time.
“The North Eastern Education and Library Board stands ready to provide support, including access to counselling, to the pupils and teachers in the days and weeks ahead.”

Ministers congratulate JP McManus scholarship recipients

Education Minister, John O’Dowd and Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry have congratulated the recipients of the JP McManus All Ireland Scholarship Scheme at a ceremony in Limerick.

The scheme, funded by JP McManus, provides financial assistance to students across Ireland from low-income households who are intending to take up higher education places.

Former US President Bill Clinton presented certificates to the 125 winning students, including 25 young people from the north. Ministers O’ Dowd and Farry were also recognised for their support of the All-Ireland Scholarship at the event.

Speaking from the University of Limerick Concert Hall, Education Minister, John O’Dowd said: “Many young people are keen to move on to higher education in order to develop their skills and pursue specific career goals. However those from low income families can find the financial costs associated with higher education to be a barrier to pursuing this career and study path. JP McManus’s continued investment and commitment to the All Ireland scholarships is to be commended. His generous support is particularly welcome at a time when many families are facing increased financial pressures.

“The skills and qualifications acquired through higher education can broaden horizons and prospects, benefiting not only the individual but also our wider communities. The value of these awards is therefore worth much more than the monetary cost; they offer the opportunity of third level education to young people who may previously not have had that option.

“I want to congratulate all of the recipients on their hard work and wish them every success in the future in their chosen studies and careers.”

Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry said: “I commend JP McManus for his continued generosity in providing these scholarships. The vision and practical support of people like him from the world of business shows that philanthropy can make a real difference to the lives of students looking to gain all the benefits from higher education. The award of a scholarship brings with it prestige but it also brings with it responsibility. I know our students will discharge that responsibility and will use their award to lay the foundations for successful and fulfilling careers that will not only be of benefit to them but also the wider economy.

“My Department’s recently published Widening Participation Strategy, Access to Success, demonstrates my commitment to ensuring that those who are most able but least likely to participate in higher education should be given every encouragement and support to achieve the necessary qualifications to apply to, and to benefit from, the higher education that is right for them. This Scholarship will help to support this commitment to widening participation by ensuring that all young people, irrespective of their background, have the opportunity to access higher education.”

The All Ireland scholarships provide financial assistance for up to 25 students per year, in the north, for studies at Undergraduate level. Scholarships are worth £5,500 per year with recipients coming from low income households and in receipt of Educational Maintenance Allowance. The ceremony took place on Saturday 17 November in the University of Limerick Concert Hall.

#AskDE Twitter Q&A - Transcript of questions and answers

Education Minister John O'Dowd has taken part in his second Twitter Q&A.

Minister O'Dowd answered 29 questions over an hour on a range of topics. The full transcript of the Q&A is available below.

Question 1 from @he4therw4t5on

#AskDE ask the minister if he would instruct DE to actually ask teachers,principals,schools what they need? #valueourprofessionalism

#AskDE ETI chief inspector highlighted leadership as an area 4 improvement in schools.why is support 4 heads so poor in NI? #keytosuccess

Answer

@he4therw4t5on Primary Teaching Principal Release Time also allows two days/week to focus on leadership, management & admin duties #AskDE

Question 2 from @Gary_NI

Why are pupils still being segregated? This is bad economics and anything but a shared future. #AskDE

Answer

@Gary_NI Parents have right to state type of ed they wish for their child, faith-based or not. Schools provision based on demand #AskDE

Question 3 from @cas_ni

nijobfinder.co.uk lists 750+ programming jobs weekly. What will the Minister do to increase Computer Science in schools #askDE

Answer

@cas_ni I’m keen for pupils to have access to computer science. Curriculum gives schools flexibility to provide it if demand exists #AskDE

Question 4 from @the_pj88

@niexecutive ca bhfuil na postanna do muinteoiri nua? Ta mo chailin ag fanacht bliain go leith ar la oibre amhain i scoil ar bith. #askde

Translation - Where are the jobs for new teachers? My girlfriend is waiting a year and a half and hasn’t had a day’s work in any school.

Answer

@the_pj88 Plean le múinteoirí nua-cháilithe a fhostú le cur le litearthacht agus uimhearthacht á phlé. Eolas ón RO gan mhoill #ASkDE

Translation - Details of plan to employ newly qualified teachers to boost literacy and numeracy being worked out. DE will advise ASAP

Question 5 from @AaronECarson

Why is the Dickson plan in Lurgan being altered what's the benefits of joining 3 good schools. Surely teachers will lose jobs #AskDE

Answer

@AaronECarson Area planning will point way forward. No decisions made yet, consultation open until tomorrow: ow.ly/eGYRa #AskDE

Question 6 from @he4ther4t5on

#askde ask the minister y there hasnt been enough progress towards"integrated"education in NI?good friday agreement #sharedorsharedoutfuture

Answer

@he4therw4t5on I support parental choice and will aim to provide integrated schools where demand is clear #AskDE

Question 7 from @EFCCG

#AskDE What role can social enterprise play in generating entrepreneurs that contribute to local economy whilst still in education?

Answer

@EFCCG Social enterprise important part of economy & pupils can learn Business Studies to encourage entrepreneurship from young age #AskDE

Question 8 from @Glenbhoy67

#AskDE-John, what steps will you take to assist newly qualified teachers in obtaining necessary teaching experience/employment?

Answer

@glenbhoy I’m keen to give new teachers as much support as poss. We have cut pay for retirees as subs & continue to explore options #AskDE

Question 9 from @AndreaGibson7

#AskDE How do you envisage funding future research in youth work? How can effective academic programmes be developed without research?

Answer

@andreagibson Youth work integral part of education. New policy open for consultation now, share your views at ow.ly/eJHbh #AskDE

Question 10 from @stephenpglenn
What does the Minister intend to do to prevent homophobic bullying in our schools? #AskDE

Answer

@stephenpglenn Homophobic bullying is wrong. ALL bullying is wrong. Every school must have a policy on tackling it. #AskDE

Question 11 from @the_pj88

#askde why haven't you regulated uniform pricing? Passing buck onto boards of governors while families suffer is not good enough. Act now.

Answer

@the_pj88 DE guidance clear: schools should consider VFM & not disadvantage pupils from poorer backgrounds by overpricing uniforms #AskDE

follow up question to 11 from @the_pj88

@niexecutive I appreciate that, but when they are flouting the guidance to the extent they are, you can't just say "we tried" #askde

Answer

@the_pj88 If guidance continues to be ignored then I will look at introducing legislation to curb uniform costs #AskDE

Question 12 from @jamesconolly16

@niexecutive #AskDe why is the bible taught in primary schools when there is no evidence to support its teachings?

Answer

@JamesConnolly16 RE teaches children about various religions, helping them respect cultural diversity and form own spiritual views #AskDE

Question 13 from @Wiseabap

#askde - why no mention of international youth work in the draft 'Priorities for Youth' policy? Huge learning comes from intl experiences

Answer

@Wiseabap I recognise value of international youth work opportunities and think these should continue #AskDE

Question 14 from @murraybarry

#AskDE a chara, an aithníonn tú go bhfuil an-obair ag dul ar aghaidh in Airneal na Gaelscoilíochta, an réiteach fad-téarma iad sruthanna?

Translation - Dear sir/madam, do you realise that there is great work going on in the Irish-medium sector, are (Irish-medium) streams the long term solution?

Answer

@murraybarry tá mé tiomanta don ghaeloideachas & pléifidh mé le moltaí forbartha do scoileanna, sruthanna no aonaid #AskDE

Translation - I am committed to delivering education through medium of Irish & will consider proposals for schools, streams or units

Question 15 from @theslabber

#AskDE Is it department policy for schools to ask parents for money for 'school funds'?

Answer

@theslabber No. Schools receive funding depending on make-up and number of pupils. Up to schools if they request more from parents #AskDE

Question 16 from @ChrisJenkins90

#AskDE The Advisory Group on Shared Education doesnt report until February. Why isnt it feeding into Area-Based Planning process?

Answer

@ChrisJenkins90 Area plans will evolve to meet local demand. I will ensure Shared Ed Advisory Group’s findings are taken account of #AskDE

Question 17 from @McGowan1912

#AskDE what is the minister planning to to do to help parents of children with special needs,especially in disadvantaged areas?

Answer

@McGowan1912 Special Education funding protected & new policy being developed. I’m committed to ensuring equality of access for ALL #AskDE

Question 18 from @ChrisJenkins90

#AskDE ESA has duty to facilitate: "the development of education provided in an Irish speaking school." Fine, but what about integrated too?

Answer

@ChrisJenkins90 The same duty applies for integrated education #AskDE

Question 19 from @AidantCampbell

#AskDE how will DE ensure a balance between cutting costs and maintaining schools in rural areas vital to sustain rural communities.

Answer

@AidantCampbell Children in rural areas will not be disadvantaged. We are working towards vision of sustainable provision for all #AskDE

Question 20 from @s7teach

#AskDE Will the minister make a siginicant investment in leadership training given chief inspector's report

Answer

@s7teach Teacher education as a whole under review, Leadership Development a key priority in this going forward #AskDE

Question 21 from @McGowan1912

#AskDE what are your plans for all grammar schools? Will the ESA bill treat all sectors equally?

Answer

@McGowan1912 All schools and sectors will be treated equally #AskDE

Question 22 from @The RowYouKnow

@niexecutive Has the Minister been able to give any further consideration to the proposed amalgamation of #SWBelfast Primary Schools #AskDE

Answer

@TheRowYouKnow Area planning will ensure right schools are in right place to meet the needs of children, including in S Belfast #AskDE

Question 23 from @mc_elhill

#AskDE How does Minister see DE contributing to cross departmental Autism Strategy out of The Autism Act 2011? #autism #Aspergers

Answer

@mc_elhill DE working with DHSSPS to progress Autism Strategy and improve services and support for children on Autistic Spectrum #AskDE

Question 24 from @TheRowYouKnow

@niexecutive No parental choice of post primary provision in #southbelfast Integrated or Grammar - is this equality? #AskDE

Answer

@TheRowYouKnow Area planning will take account of parental preference when considering need for particular school types in any area #AskDE

Question 25 from @TheRowYouKnow

@niexecutive Pls issue free travel passes to all post primary children in #southbelfast NRAs in attempt to reduce absenteeism #AskDE

Answer

@TheRowYouKnow DE has active strategy to cut absenteeism. Transport assistance available only to those who qualify #AskDE

Question 26 from @MaryTreatTicket

#AskDE Are you ever going to sort out the mess that is the Transfer system / 11+? Why haven't you made this a priority??? #AskDE

Answer

@MaryTreatTicket DE guidance on transfer to p/primary clear. Majority of schools adhere. No need for unregulated testing at 10 & 11 #AskDE

Question 27 from @dmchugh675

#askDE How will DE support schools in areas with high levels of deprivation to address the 'digital divide'? #niedchat

Answer

@dmchugh675 c2k network covers ALL schools. I’m committed to ensuring equal access to digital technologies in school for all pupils #AskDE

Question 28 from @MrMalcontent

#askDE Over 100 Teachers gathered in Stranmillis in Friday night for CPD of a different kind. Can you support us? #niedchat #tmbelfast #tmnw

Answer

@MrMalcontent Future of CPD is currently under consideration as part of review of teacher education #AskDE

Question 29 from @jeni_mcguff

#AskDE how did you get to where you are now? I'm just coming out of college and want a career in educ. (can I come work for you, please?)

Answer

@jeni_mcguff I’m an elected MLA & appointed as Minister. Ask your careers advisor about a career in education or civil service #AskDE

Statement on technical issues with school computer based assessments

Education Minister, John O’Dowd has responded to concerns raised by some schools in relation to technical issues with the new computer based assessment system.

A number of primary schools have contacted CCEA to advise that their pupils were experiencing difficulties when completing computer based assessments in literacy and numeracy.  Based on the information provided to date the difficulties are related to system and network issues and not to any problems with the assessment programs themselves. 

The Minister said: “I am aware that a number of schools are experiencing technical difficulties when accessing the new statutory computer-based assessments.  I am obviously concerned at the impact this may have on teachers and, more importantly, on pupils and have asked those involved to make every effort to resolve this issue as a matter of urgency.

“It is important to note that these problems were not encountered during the significant period of testing prior to their introduction and they are not affecting every school.  Nonetheless, the intermittent nature of the problem makes it difficult to resolve and CCEA and C2K have been working with the service provider, Northgate, to try to establish the causes. I have asked them to report back to me on this issue as quickly as possible.”

The Minister continued: “The new assessments have been designed specifically for our local context and are an important element of our drive to raise standards in literacy and numeracy. They are diagnostic in nature, intended to assist the work of teachers and the understanding and engagement of parents and pupils.

“Schools have been advised that if the current difficulties in operating the new assessment is interfering with this purpose, or is causing distress to pupils, they should stop the assessments until they are advised that the issues have been addressed.  Given the current circumstances, I believe it would be unreasonable to expect those schools who are encountering such difficulties to have conducted assessments and reported outcomes to parents by the end of the autumn term. My Department will be writing to schools to provide them with further guidance on this issue.” 

In conclusion the Minister said: “I note that many schools have already conducted the assessments successfully and have made arrangements to report to parents and set up meetings this term. Indeed, given the value of autumn term parental meetings, I hope that the majority of schools will be in a position to conduct assessments and report as normal.
Finally, I want to reassure those schools affected by the technical problems that every effort is being made to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.”

Notes to editors:

For media queries please contact the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9207. Outside office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

Minister welcomes Executive agreement to Education Bill

Education Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed the Executive's agreement to the Education Bill, which will see the establishment of the Education and Skills Authority.

Speaking after today's Executive meeting, Mr O'Dowd said:

"Today we have taken a significant step forward in the strategic planning and delivery of our education system; a system which will deliver educational excellence for all and will meet the needs and aspirations of our young people, helping them fulfil their potential and enhancing their life chances.

"The creation of a single authority, able to plan, deliver, support and challenge schools and other providers, will also ensure we are better able to enhance the role played by education in developing our economy.

"I look forward to bringing this Bill to the Assembly in the coming weeks for scrutiny by the Assembly and the Education Committee.

"I wish to pay tribute today to staff at the Education and Library Boards, the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools, the Youth Council and the Staff Commission for the Education and Library Boards. Over the course of the past 40 years they have provided an invaluable service to schools and I recognise the hard work and commitment of staff in all these organisations. This has been particularly true in recent years as many posts have gone unfilled in preparation for ESA with the remaining staff showing their professionalism in ensuring the continued delivery of services.

"Next week I will announce the way ahead for the establishment of a sectoral support body for the controlled sector. I will be establishing a working group to take this forward and I look forward to engaging with the group to secure the establishment of the sectorial support body by next year."

Ministers express sadness at farming deaths

First Minister the Rt Hon Peter D Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA have expressed their deep sadness at the passing of three members of the Spence family in a tragic accident at their family farm in Hillsborough yesterday.

The Ministers said: "It was with great sadness that we learned of the sudden and tragic passing of Noel Spence and his sons Nevin and Graham in an accident on their family farm yesterday.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Spence family at this extremely sad time and pass on our deepest condolences to them. We understand another member of the family, Emma, has been hospitalised following the accident and we wish her a full and speedy recovery.

“This tragedy has shocked the entire community and is a terrible reminder to us all of the dangers of farming life. Our thoughts are also with farmers everywhere at this time.

“Nevin was a rising star of local rugby and it is only a matter of months ago, in happier times, that we had the honour of hosting him and his colleagues at a reception in Parliament Buildings to celebrate the achievement of Ulster in reaching the Heineken Cup final. His untimely death is a blow for the game in the province and we sympathise with his teammates and everyone at Ulster Rugby who have lost a true colleague and friend."

Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill has expressed her condolences to the Spence family who tragically lost three family members in a farm accident yesterday evening.

Minister O'Neill said: "I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn of this terrible tragedy which has hit this hard working farming family. My thoughts and prayers are with Noel, Graham and Nevin and their family and friends at this extremely difficult time. I also hope and pray that Emma Spence who was also involved in this accident makes a full recovery."

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "I want to express my sincere sympathies to the Spence family following the deaths of Noel Spence and his two sons Graham and Nevin who was a rising Ulster Rugby star.

"This tragic accident has devastated a family and my thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time.

"I understand that another family member Emma Spence, is currently in hospital following the accident and we all hope that she makes a full recovery."

Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety Edwin Poots has expressed his sympathy for the family of Noel, Graham and Nevin Spence following yesterday's tragic accident in Hillsborough.

He said: "I have known the Spence family for many years and it is difficult to comprehend the grief that they are suffering after such a terrible accident. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and their friends. I also want to wish Emma a full and speedy recovery. The loss of Noel, Graham and Nevin is being felt right across the community.

"I know that the firefighters, paramedics and medical staff who did everything in their power to save Noel, Graham and Nevin are devastated by what has unfolded. There is a sense of shock and disbelief across Northern Ireland today.

Sports Minister Caral Ni Chuilin has paid tribute to Ulster rugby player Nevin Spence and his father and brother who lost their lives in a farm accident in Hillsborough, and to Fermanagh County GAA player Brian ÓG Maguire, who died on Thursday following an accident.

The Minister said: "The loss of two talented sports players, and also a father and a brother, in such tragic circumstances is a tragedy for both the Spence and Maguire families. My sincere sympathy is extended to them at this extremely difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with them all, and also with Nevin's sister Emma who is currently in hospital.

"Nevin and Brian were committed sports players and their untimely deaths are not only a loss to their immediate families, but also to the sporting organisations they represented and to their wider communities. Ulster GAA and Ulster Rugby are two of the great provincial sporting codes which unite society. Brian Og and Nevin were wonderful examples for their respective sports.

"I offer my condolences to both the Ulster and Ballynahinch rugby teams on the tragic loss of Nevin, and to the Ulster, Fermanagh and Lisnaskea GAA community on the loss of Brian, both of whom will be sadly missed."

O'Dowd expresses shock at blaze at Omagh school

Education Minister John O'Dowd has spoken out following a major fire at a school in Omagh.

During a visit to the scene, the Minister viewed the extensive damage caused to Arvalee School and Resource Centre in the town by last night's fire.

After speaking with the Principal of the school and the Chair of the Western Education and Library Board, Mr O'Dowd said: "The fire at Arvalee School and Resource Centre will have a devastating impact on the whole school community. The school caters for some of the most vulnerable children in our society and this fire will cause great distress just as the pupils are preparing to return for a new academic year. However, the impact will go further; this also affects the parents, staff and the wider community in Omagh.

"I have spoken with the Principal of the school and relayed my shock and sympathy at the events of last night and assured him that my Department stands ready to assist the Western Education and Library Board and the school in the coming days.

"I have been disturbed by the fact that this fire is currently being treated as suspicious. Whilst I struggle to comprehend who might wish to do this to a special school, I would ask that if anyone has information on the blaze, they take it to the PSNI.

"In the mean time, the Western Education and Library Board will be putting in place alternative arrangements for the children due to return to school next week. The aim will be to ensure that arrangements are made as quickly as possible, and that any distress to the children involved is kept to an absolute minimum. Parents of pupils at the school will be alerted once alternative arrangements are agreed.

"I had already announced a new build for Arvalee School and Resource Centre as an early development on the Lisanelly site. I will want to explore with my officials and other stakeholders how we can advance the timetable for that given last night's events.

"Finally, I would like to thank the emergency services for the professional way they dealt with the incident and for their efforts to contain the fire."

Submit your question directly to the Education Minister via Twitter

Education Minister John O’Dowd will be live on Twitter at 11.30am on Thursday 28 June answering your questions.

You can submit your question now via the hashtag #AskDE. The Minister will respond to as many education-related questions as time permits via the @niexecutive Twitter feed.

If you are not able to be online at 11.30am on Thursday to see the responses live, don’t worry. All responses will remain on the @niexecutive timeline and under the hashtag #AskDE. A full transcript will also be published on this blog.

So if you have a question for the Minister, please do submit it via #AskDE and the Minister will do his best to respond.

Users should submit no more than two questions each. This will enable as many people as possible to have a chance to take part and have their query answered.

You can also submit your question in Irish. Any Irish tweets that the Minister is able to cover in the hour available will be answered in Irish. These tweets will be translated into English in the transcript that will be posted here after the Q&A has finished.

The Minister will respond to as many tweets as possible in the time available. If your particular tweet is not responded to, it may be the case that the topic is covered by a different response, so do please read them all.

Twitter Q&A - Submit your question directly to the Education Minister

Education Minister John O’Dowd will be live on Twitter at 3pm on Thursday 13 October answering your questions.

You can submit your question now via the hashtag #AskDE. The deadline for submitting questions is 2pm Thursday 13.

The Minister will respond to as many education-related questions as time permits via the @niexecutive Twitter feed.

If you are not able to be online at 3pm on Thursday to see the responses live, don’t worry. All responses will remain on the @niexecutive timeline and under the hashtag #AskDE.

So if you have a question for the Minister, please do submit it via #AskDE and the Minister will do his best to respond.

How the Twitter Q&A will work...

Minister O'Dowd will retweet the question he plans to answer and then tweet his response and so on.

The complete transcript of questions and the Minister's responses will be posted here.