To ask the Minister of Education whether the Education Authority has the legal power to direct a Board of Governors to ensure that an Access NI check is completed for a classroom assistant.

With regard to the Access NI process, the Education Authority (EA) has advisory powers but cannot mandate a Board of Governors to undertake a specific action. Schools are responsible for ensuring that the Access NI check is completed for any member of staff employed via the temporary engagement process. The EA provides schools with guidance and the necessary documents to complete this check.