FDA response to the Minister for Education’s written ministerial statement

Commenting on the written ministerial statement made by Minister for Education Paul Givan this afternoon, FDA National Officer for Northern Ireland Robert Murtagh said:

“This is a confidential matter in which the civil servant involved is not in a position to respond publicly due to their professional obligations. The Civil Service Code restricts civil servants’ ability to speak publicly on any issue.

“Where one party is able to comment openly in those circumstances, it creates a clear and unacceptable imbalance and risks undermining confidence in how such situations are handled.

“Any public account given on that basis cannot be fully tested or treated as complete, particularly when others are effectively prevented from offering their perspective.

“Those in positions of authority have a responsibility to respect both the letter and the spirit of confidentiality, especially where their words carry significant weight and cannot be answered, this is affirmed in the Ministerial Code.

“Likewise, there is a clear responsibility under the Ministerial Code and accompanying guidance on ministers to uphold the political impartiality of the civil service. This includes treating civil servants with consideration and respect and not commenting publicly on individual staffing matters.

“Failing to uphold these principles risks damaging confidence not only in this case, but in the wider protections staff rely on. Government can only work effectively if there is trust between ministers and civil servants. That trust includes recognition of the restrictions on civil servants to defend themselves publicly and the obligation that places on ministers to deal with issues confidentially.”