Written question asked by Lord Laird (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Thursday, 20 October 2005.

Belfast: Stranmillis University College

Question: What effect Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 had on the decision to alter the governance of Stranmillis University College in Belfast; whether, and on what basis, the existing religious representatives will transfer to the new governing body provided for in the Colleges of Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2005.

Answer: The decision to alter the constitution of the Board of Governors of Stranmillis University College was taken to comply with the requirements of other equality legislation, not as a direct result of Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.With effect from the commencement of the Instrument of Government, provided for in the Colleges of Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2005, the Church representatives will be appointed to the governing body, under the transitional arrangements within the instrument, until the end of their original term of appointment.

Secondary information