To ask the Minister of Education why no legislative plans for his Department were included in the First Minister and Deputy First Minister statement on the Executive Legislation Programme 2024.

I have a number of bills under development which are not at an advanced enough stage to introduce to the Assembly in the calendar year 2024.

My officials are currently developing three bills planned for introduction in 2024/25, on School Uniforms, Nutritional Standards in Schools, and Clothing Allowance Awards, and further bills for introduction in 2025/26.

I have instructed officials to progress the School Uniforms bill as a priority and if this or any other bill is ready for introduction sooner than anticipated I will endeavour to bring it to the Assembly as soon as I can.