§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the religious education syllabus was last updated; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThere is no prescribed religious education syllabus in Northern Ireland, apart from those offered by recognised examining bodies. The recent Education Reform Order contains provision whereby the Department of Education may designate a "core syllabus" for religious education where such has been prepared and consulted upon by a drafting group. The main churches, in their capacity as trustees and transferors of schools, have been invited to collaborate in taking forward this task.