SEARCH THIS SITE
Contact Your MLA
Parliament Buildings
Stormont
Belfast
BT4 3XX
Tel 028 9052 1766
E-Mail: Robin.Swann@mla.niassembly.gov.ukConstituency Office
13-15 Queen Street
Ballymena
BT42 2BB
Tel: 02825 659595
E-Mail : Robin.SwannMLA@gmail.com-
Tag Archives: ESA
Swann warns of hidden education agendas
Mr Robin Swann, the North Antrim Ulster Unionist Party Assemblyman and member of the Stormont Culture and Agriculture Committees, has warned that the proposed new Education Bill contains “the sneaky agenda of the cosy DUP/Sinn Fein pact in the Executive”. Assemblyman Swann, who is also North Antrim UUP Chairman and Party Chief Whip, issued his warning as the UUP voted against the Education Bill “as the Bill appears to be riddle with hidden agendas”. Mr Swann added: “While the Party is fully supportive of the streamlining of the administration of the education system, we do have concerns that the proposed Bill is an attempt by Sinn Fein to take ideological control of the system. “Since Sinn Fein took the helm at the Department of Education, its handling of major issues has been chaotic, therefore, we have little confidence in their ability to see through any significant reforms. “Another reason we … Continue reading
Swann calls for Skills body Bill
Mr Robin Swann, the North Antrim Ulster Unionist Party MLA, Chief Whip and member of the Stormont Agriculture and Culture Committees, has called on Sinn Fein Education Minister John O’Dowd to introduce the Education and Skills Authority Bill “as a matter of urgency”. Assemblyman Swann, who is also North Antrim UUP Chairman and Party Chief Whip, said the delay in introducing the Bill was “causing considerable stress among teachers and education senior managers alike”. Mr Swann emphasised that any future ESA must guarantee it contains local and regional representation. He added: “In his response to me, Minister O’Dowd said the Bill is being finalised for approval by the Executive. He hopes to introduce it shortly with the aim that it will complete its Second Stage before the summer recess. “He said that timescale is later than he had hoped, but it leaves time for careful scrutiny by the Education Committee … Continue reading
Swann calls for ‘just benefit system’
Mr Robin Swann, the North Antrim Ulster Unionist Party Assemblyman and member of the Stormont Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, has issued a hard-hitting challenge to DUP Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland “to introduce a just system for incapacity benefit”. Assemblyman Swann is the former chairman of the influential Rural Youth Europe organisation, and is currently North Antrim UUP Chairman and Party Chief Whip. Mr Swann publicly threw down his gauntlet to Minister McCausland during a crucial debate on the matter in the Stormont Chamber. The motion for debate read: “That this Assembly expresses concern that the reassessment process for people who are moving from incapacity benefit to employment and support allowance, with no cognisance being taken of their medical records, is resulting in many people being unfairly deemed “fit for work” and losing their benefit. “And it calls on the Minister for Social Development to review urgently the reassessment … Continue reading
