Teachers’ Strike at Movilla High School, Newtownards

Private Notice Question – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 2:00 pm on 14 October 2008.

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Photo of Francie Molloy Francie Molloy Sinn Féin 2:00, 14 October 2008

I have received a private notice question, in accordance with Standing Order 20, for the Minister of Education.

Photo of Mervyn Storey Mervyn Storey DUP

asked the Minister of Education to detail the action she has taken to resolve the teachers’ strike at Movilla High School in Newtownards.

Photo of Caitriona Ruane Caitriona Ruane Sinn Féin

Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I am very concerned by the recent developments at Movilla High School, which are now adversely affecting the education of all pupils at the school. It is disappointing that the issue has come to this point. It would be better for all parties if it had not come to such public attention. Teachers need to be back doing what they do, teaching; and pupils need to be back in the classroom, being educated. That must happen quickly.

Ach sin mar atá sé. Tá sé riachtanach go bhfaigheann gach dalta an t-oideachas atá sé nó sí i dteideal a fháil — gach uile dhalta. Tá sé de dhualgas orainn freisin a chinntiú go mbíonn múinteoirí ábalta a ndualgas féin a chomhlíonadh i dtimpeallacht atá sábháilte.

That translates as: but we are where we are. It is essential that every pupil receives the education to which he or she is entitled, and that means every pupil. We also have a duty to ensure that teachers are able to perform their duties in a safe environment.

I am aware that a stalemate situation has developed, and I am urging all those involved to work together in order to find a speedy resolution so that the education of all the pupils at Movilla High School can return to normality as quickly as possible.

We need to see this issue resolved, whether by the offer of the Children’s Commissioner to mediate, the auspices of the Labour Relations Agency, or through local dialogue. I also ask that the privacy of the pupil and the pupil’s family be respected by all involved, in this House and by the media. Go raibh maith agat.

Photo of Dominic Bradley Dominic Bradley Social Democratic and Labour Party

On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. It is a cause for regret that contributions on this issue are being confined to one constituency, considering the fact that it was a Member from another constituency, who is the Chairperson of the Committee for Education, who tabled the private notice question.

The issue of teacher assaults would have benefited from a wider range of contributions in the House. It was noted in a recent report by the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation —

Photo of Francie Molloy Francie Molloy Sinn Féin

I will answer the point of order if the Member will please resume his seat.

Members will know that in every case the choice of questions and supplementary questions is for the direction of the Speaker. The Speaker decided that this private notice question is related to a constituency matter and that other Members will not be called in that situation. I now want to resume the debate.

Photo of Mervyn Storey Mervyn Storey DUP

I express some concern because I had asked the Minister to detail to the House what action she had taken with regard to this serious situation. Unfortunately, the Minister has not detailed what she has done to try to resolve the situation. Obviously, people want a resolution.

Several questions flow from the dispute. First, can the Minister confirm that the pupil who is at the centre of the dispute is legally enrolled in the school? I concur with her comment that the privacy of the pupil and family is paramount. Obviously, Members are concerned about the pupil who is at the centre of the controversy. Secondly, can she confirm that, in a statement, the South Eastern Education and Library Board agreed to suspend the implementation of complete reduction of salaries for teachers who are involved in the dispute? It seems that the issue has become the subject of another debate. From the union’s point of view, that is regrettable. Thirdly, can the Minister confirm that she will speak to the unions concerned about the course of action that she has taken?

The outcome must not, in any way, detract from the safety of staff in any school. However, as Chairman of the Education Committee, I fear that a precedent has been set about how such issues are dealt with, given that there has been a significant increase in the number of assaults in schools during the past several years and the fact that other schools currently experience the same situation when pupils are suspended. Remember that the pupil who is at the centre of the dispute is back at school legally. The Assembly must ensure that a precedent is not set for staff to take action that disrupts the education of other pupils — 540 other pupils in the case of Movilla High School.

Photo of David McNarry David McNarry UUP

The most important concern in this unfortunate situation is that the provision of education at the school must continue. The Assembly must hear the Minister’s assurance that there will be no lasting interference to that crucial provision.

The issue is, of course, of grave concern because it is not clear whether a police investigation is under way in respect of the alleged assault and the complaint that arose from that allegation. Perhaps the Minister can provide that information. If such an investigation is under way, what primacy does it have? Is it intertwined with the Minister’s action? If there is no police investigation, surely parents should ask why not. Therein may lie the answer.

I have listened to the Minister’s comments. I am grateful for what she has said. However, she has not said whom she supports in this situation: is it the pupil who is at the centre of the dispute; all other pupils; one set of parents; all other parents; the school; its principal; its board; or the trade unions? The Minister must tell the Assembly now what her position is and whom she supports. Members will then have an inkling of what action and direction she is likely to take.

Photo of Kieran McCarthy Kieran McCarthy Alliance

Is the Minister not ashamed to lead a Department of Education in Northern Ireland that presides over the events at Movilla High School in Newtownards where pupils are being denied the teaching and education to which they are entitled? The problem did not arise overnight; it has existed for a considerable time. Surely, her Department should have sorted the problem out by whatever means necessary long before it reached the point of no return, whereby pupils are being denied their education and there have been accusations of assault on a teacher.

We cannot accept such a situation. Will the Minister enlighten the Assembly as to what she is doing in the immediate term to solve the problem?

Photo of Jim Shannon Jim Shannon DUP

It is with regret that I put this question to the Minister; furthermore, it is put from a position of concern. As other Members said, this is a most delicate issue. However, it is vital for the pupil concerned, and for all the pupils of the school, that welfare and education are taken care of.

Is the Minister aware of the discussions that have taken place between the South Eastern Education and Library Board and the unions? A solution was put forward to resolve the dispute and end the strike. What steps is the Minister taking to deliver a solution? A solution exists, if all the parties involved will grasp it.

Photo of Caitriona Ruane Caitriona Ruane Sinn Féin

Members have asked me a couple of direct questions. I will answer those that I can, and I will explain why, in view of the situation, it would be inappropriate to answer others.

The young person concerned is under 18 and we must be careful of putting undue focus on any school pupil. In my statement, I stressed the importance of pupils and teachers being able to operate in a safe environment. As people know, my Department takes a very serious view of assaults on teachers; the bullying of young people; and of the need to provide emotional support for young people.

With respect to the Member who asked whom I support, the question is, rather, how we resolve the issue so that everyone gets back to school — teachers and pupils alike — while maintaining respect for everyone’s rights. For me, that is paramount.

I shall answer other questions. The pupil is legally enrolled in the school. The board has not agreed to suspend the reduction in salaries; however, it has agreed to review its decision to suspend pay if one of the parties involved agrees to mediation.

Mediation can happen in several ways, and I outlined three in my statement. The first is through the good offices of the Children’s Commissioner; the second is the potential for local dialogue, which would, obviously, involve the board; and the third is through the Labour Relations Agency. It is not for me to say which is the correct option; however, I must insist that everyone sits down, starts talking and resolves the difficulty. We cannot have a situation where 540 children are out of school, or one in which people feel that they work in an unsafe environment.

I am aware that efforts have been made to resolve the matter, and that much hard work has gone into those efforts. There is a way through the impasse, and we must find it. Rather than get involved in a blame game, let us calm the situation, focus on a resolution and ensure that we do not focus on one particular child. To do so would be unfair.

Photo of Francie Molloy Francie Molloy Sinn Féin

No further supplementary questions will be asked.