Mid Ulster MLA Sandra Overend has been appointed Vice- Chair of the Stormont Education Committee, and Ulster Unionist Party spokesperson on education, by her party leader Mike Nesbitt.

Mrs Overend said:

“I am very pleased to be given the opportunity to lead for the Ulster Unionist Party on education, and to replace my friend and colleague, Danny Kinahan as Vice- Chair of the Stormont Committee.

“Danny has worked incredibly hard over the past four years building positive relationships with teachers, principals and unions right across the educational spectrum.  I hope to build on these relationships in the months to come.

“There are many important issues to be dealt with over the next year; with a Shared Education Bill due to be tabled in the wake of the Committee’s soon to be published report on shared and integrated education.  One of the areas I want to make progress on is ending the completely unacceptable situation where it is permissible to discriminate in teacher appointments on the basis of religious affiliation.  I also intend to hold the Minister to account for his financial stewardship of his Department, which has created a continual sense of budgetary uncertainty for principals and Boards of Governors, who work so hard to provide our children with a quality education.”

Ulster Unionist Party Leader Mike Nesbitt added:

"Danny did a fantastic job, latterly supported by Sandra. I am delighted Sandra has grasped the opportunity to take the Vice-Chair's position and I am sure she will use the position well, informing her input with her experience as a young mother with children at primary and post-primary levels."