Sinn Féin education spokesperson Pat Sheehan has expressed concern in relation to ongoing issues within the General Teaching Council.

The West Belfast MLA said:

“Today the committee heard worrying evidence in relation to ongoing issues within the General Teaching Council (GTC) which is the regulatory body for the teaching profession in the north.

“I am also concerned that as a regulatory body the GTC lacks the very necessary statutory powers to adequately follow up on, investigate and sanction teacher misconduct.

“This situation ultimately presents significant child safeguarding issues and further concerns around the quality of education some of our children could receive if these issues are not dealt with urgently and comprehensively.

“The Department of Education has been aware of many of these issues for six years and have failed to act on them.

“The responsibility lies now with the Minister of Education and his Department to bring forward the necessary legislation to resolve the outstanding issues.”