Alliance Education spokesperson Michelle Guy MLA has accused Education Minister Paul Givan of a "disgraceful distraction" from his failure to provide school placements for special educational needs (SEN) students.

Ms Guy said the Minister's decision to withdraw guidance on transgender pupils in schools was a "clear attempt to divert attention" from the SEN crisis. She said it was "shameful" that children with SEN are still without appropriate school places at the start of the new academic year. The Alliance motion is calling on the Minister to provide clarity on how many children are affected and to specify clear timescales for the implementation of the SEN Reform Agenda and Recovery Plan. Ms Guy stated that the fact this crisis reoccurs annually indicates a need for more strategic, long-term planning and greater collaboration with the Department of Health.

Ms Guy also condemned the tone of the comments made about the transgender guidance. She stated that to use the identities of "vulnerable young people" as a "political football" is disgraceful.

"We must be unequivocal that every child deserves to feel fully included, respected, and supported appropriately within our education system," she said.

Ms Guy added that the "complete and sudden withdrawal" of the advice has created a "vacuum" that is unhelpful for teachers, parents, and pupils, and demonstrates the Minister's unwillingness to tackle core issues.