Schools’ Viability Audits Incomplete

Education Minister, John O’Dowd MLA, has deemed the Viability Audits submitted by the Education and Library Boards incomplete.
~ Friday, 27 January 2012

Commenting on the recently submitted audits the Minister said: “I have always stated that this would be an open and transparent exercise. While acknowledging the work to date, as submitted, I do not believe it fulfils the requirements set out in the terms of reference. It is vital that we have a clear and unambiguous understanding of the extent of the financial and educational challenges facing schools now and in the future so that we can take forward work to plan provision for the future which is sustainable and effective. For this reason I have asked the Boards to complete and resubmit the audits. I have also asked them to set out proposals on how they plan to address the position in those schools demonstrating the greatest degree of financial stress.”

In conclusion the Minister said: “My focus is on protecting the education of the pupils in schools – the Viability Audits are an essential part of that so it is important that they are carried out as set out in the terms of reference.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Terms of Reference of the audit required the Boards to provide a report that:

• identifies, based on robust and verifiable information and the professional judgement of the Boards and CCMS, all primary and post-primary schools
• currently facing significant viability challenges in terms of sustainable enrolment trends, delivering quality education (including the requirements of the
• revised curriculum and the Entitlement Framework) and financial stability;
• categorises these schools in terms of the root cause of the problem; and
• presents proposals, either already in place or planned, for such schools, to address the causes of unviability in order to protect the education of the children and young people enrolled in those schools.

2. For media enquiries contact the Department of Education’s Communications Team on Tel No: 028 9127 9356. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.