§ 12. Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many representations he has received recently from educational groups in the Province; and on what subjects.
§ Dr. MawhinneyI have in recent months received a large number of representations, written and oral, on a wide range of educational topics. These include representations on the consultation paper on education reform, substitution provisions in schools, school development proposals, the cross-community contact scheme, youth service review and funding for arts, museums, sport and community services.
§ Mr. FlynnFollowing the decision by the High Court that the Department of Education in Northern Ireland is guilty of sex discrimination in its administration of the 11-plus examination, what is the Government's view of that judgment? What action will the Minister take to ensure that the girls who have been disadvantaged this year will have that disadvantage corrected? What guarantee will the Government give that in future the administration of the 11-plus examination in Northern Ireland will be decided entirely on merit and not on the sex of the participants?
§ Dr. MawhinneyThat case remains sub judice and it would, therefore, be inappropriate for me to comment.