The public will soon have the opportunity to comment on the future of post-primary education in the province, following the decision to distribute questionnaires to homes throughout Northern Ireland asking for views on the Burn's Report.

Established by Education Minister, Martin McGuinness, the Burns Report is a review of Northern Ireland's educational system, which includes proposals for the abolition of the 11-plus transfer test, which has been described as "discredited and crude".

Throughout the coming week, copies of the questionnaire will arrive at homes throughout the province, with detailed information about the post-primary review. People's responses to the review are invited – and will remain anonymous – with the results of the consultation process to be published in September.

Speaking on Monday, Mr McGuinness urged people to get involved, and described the questionnaire as "a vital stage" of the process. He continued: "The distribution of these forms is an unprecedented outreach, which for the first time gives the public a chance to have their say on what type of education system we should have.

"The questionnaires being mailed out this week provide a crucial opportunity for ordinary people, who perhaps felt that their views wouldn't be sought, to make their views count in a very real way."

(CL)