HC Deb 01 March 1990 vol 168 cc310-2W
49. Mr. Paice

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how he proposes to offer opportunities for integrated education; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Mawhinney

Part VI of the Education Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 1989, which came into operation on 20 February 1990, makes provision to facilitate the development of integrated schools.

Under the new legislation, it is now possible for the Government to give financial support to integrated schools being set up from new and for parents of pupils at existing schools to vote that integrated status should be sought for their schools.

The statutory duty is also placed upon the Department: of Education to encourage and facilitate the development of integrated education.