Education Minister's proposals "may have merit" - Lunn

3.24.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 16th May 2008

Alliance Education Spokesperson Trevor Lunn

Alliance Education Spokesperson Trevor Lunn has said proposals brought to the Education Committee on changes to post-primary transfer should be treated with caution, but cannot be ruled out as a basis for progress.

The Lagan Valley MLA stated: "Whilst we would have preferred to see changes to the post-primary transfer system made on a shorter timescale, there may be some merit in the Minister's current proposals. If the Minister has the support she claims she has among educationalists, we should watch with interest which route schools and parents choose to go down.

"We are heartened by the Minister's assurance that the Assembly will have the opportunity to debate the proposals fully. However, we may find it is parents who lead the way over the next three years. It remains to be seen if they choose the test route when there is a viable alternative available.

"At last we now have something on the table, and we look forward to further details."

ENDS