To ask the Minister of Education to outline (i) the mechanism for the Education Training Inspectorate to inspect religious education in schools; and (ii) how this differs from other subjects on the curriculum.

Article 102 of The Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 provides for inspection of schools, and other relevant establishments. Inspections under this Article must be conducted by inspectors appointed by the Department to monitor, inspect and report on the quality of education. The functions conferred on inspectors by this legislation are not exercisable in relation to any provision for religious education included in the curriculum of a school except with the agreement of the Board of Governors of the school.

The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) does not inspect the provision of religious education, however at the request of the Chair of the Board of Governors, inspectors will include religious education lessons as part of the evidence base when evaluating the quality of provision.