Ulster Unionist Education spokesperson, Danny Kinahan MLA has said that the decision by the Minister John O’Dowd to begin the public appointments process for Chairperson and Board Members of the Education Skills Authority is an example of his arrogance around the Education Bill.
Danny, who is also Vice-Chair of the Education Committee said:
“The announcement by John O’Dowd that he will be launching the appointments process for the role of ESA Chairperson and board members is baffling. The roles have not yet been defined within legislation. It seems that the Minister is putting the cart before the horse here, I have told him before and I will tell him again; take a step back.’
“Given that the Education Bill has yet to be agreed by the Assembly, or even scrutinised by the Education Committee, we could see amendments developed that will see a different looking Bill presented to the one that is currently in draft. It is far too premature for the Minister to be advertising these positions. I think that this move highlights John O’Dowd’s arrogance around both the Bill and ESA.’