To ask the Minister of Education, in light of the Supreme Court judgment in the matter of an application by JR87 and another for Judicial Review (Appellant), to outline any plans for a review of the Religious Education syllabus.

Mr Givan

I will make an announcement on the RE syllabus, including interim guidance, in coming weeks. The Supreme Court judgement in the matter of JR87 and another requires careful and thorough consideration, supported by detailed legal advice, to ensure that any response is proportionate, legally sound and educationally appropriate. It is important to note that the Supreme Court did not strike down the existing legislation. The judgement also confirmed that schools may lawfully teach religious education in line with the Department's core syllabus, provided that they include additional material within the curriculum. The Supreme Court made it clear that the case was not about secularism or removing religion from our education system. The case was not about whether Christianity should be the main or primary faith that pupils learn about in schools in Northern Ireland. Historically and today, Christianity is the most important religion in Northern Ireland, and that reality will continue to be reflected in our curriculum. There was also no challenge in the case to the principle that collective worship in schools in Northern Ireland may focus on the Christian religion or that, in Catholic maintained schools, the focus of collective worship may reflect the distinctive character of the Catholic tradition.

Mr Givan

Not in respect of the references to Holy Scripture as the basis upon which religious education will be dealt. Ultimately, the syllabus and responsibility for the RE curriculum rests with my Department. It is my intention to make announcements within the next number of weeks on the process that we will follow in looking at the curriculum and ensuring that the Supreme Court judgement is followed. I will, therefore, be able to update the House in more detail on next steps within the next number of weeks.

Mr Harvey

Will the Minister clarify who will be responsible for developing the revised religious education syllabus?

Mr Givan

In addition to what I said to Mr Blair, legal responsibility for the syllabus ultimately rests with the Department. The process of curriculum development is timely; we are carrying out a curriculum review across every subject as part of our transformation of the education system. In that respect, RE will be updated as well. The review will be informed by professional advice and will focus firmly on the needs of pupils and the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning in schools. Consideration will be given to a wider range of views during the drafting process, including those of local Church representatives and representatives of teachers, academics and young people. Further details of the approach and governance arrangements will be set out as the review process moves forward.

Mr Speaker

We move on to topical questions.