Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had since September with trade unions representing teachers in Northern Ireland in the absence of a functioning Northern Ireland Executive.

The Northern Ireland Office has not met any trade unions representing teachers. Education policy is devolved to the Northern Ireland Executive. While there is not an Executive in place at present, the Northern Ireland Education Minister remains in post and as such has responsibility for engaging with trade unions.

We continue to engage with local parties and urge them to reform an Executive to tackle the issues affecting Northern Ireland, including education.