29/04/2016

Independent Panel Appointed To Investigate Ongoing Problems At De La Salle College

An independent panel to investigate the ongoing industrial problems at De La Salle College in Belfast has been appointed by the Education Minister.

Minister John O'Dowd has selected Mr John Corey, former General Secretary of the trade union NIPSA, Ms Marie-Thérèse McGivern, Principal and Chief Executive of Belfast Metropolitan College and Sir Robert Salisbury, former professor in the School of Education at the University of Nottingham.

Minister O'Dowd said: "I consider the panel members to be eminently well qualified and experienced to investigate the circumstances in the school and to make recommendations to ensure the school's future going forward.

"Work continues to be undertaken by the relevant authorities to address the immediate concerns within the school, including the appointment of an additional Associate Principal."

Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey welcomed the announcement.

He said: "Hopefully this will help the school to move forward in a positive way and lead to a resolution of the current difficulties.

"We are now entering exam time and I wish all students at the school every success at this time.

"I look forward to a positive future for the school."

(CD)

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