To ask the Minister of Education to detail the cost-efficiency measures she has planned for 2022-23, should her Department’s bid for an extra £350 million be unsuccessful.

Once a Draft Budget is published for consultation, my Department will work with its Non-Departmental Public Bodies, especially the Education Authority, in considering the impact of unfunded inescapable pressures in 2022-23 and beyond.

While any efficiencies that can be identified will be pursued, the reality is that a Draft Budget that does not fully address all of the Education pressures, will pose a significant challenge, given that about 80% of the sector’s costs are staff related.

It is anticipated that the Independent Review may identify potential opportunities to deliver a more efficient and more sustainable education system in the future, where resources are used more effectively for the ultimate benefit of our children and young people. However, this will not be delivered without political will and stakeholder agreement. Long term efficiencies will only be secured if there is adequate up-front funding to deliver on the Independent Panel’s recommendations.