Political meetings in schools are illegal

Education Minister John O’Dowd told East Londonderry MLA Gregory Campbell that a letter advising schools can’t be used for political meetings was a guidance document for Principals and Governors only.

The DUP MLA asked the Minister what action he will take should evidence emerge that MLAs or other politicians have taken part in political meetings in taxpayer-funded schools.

Mr Campbell made the query after a letter was sent from the Department of Education (DE) on February 27 advising: “School Boards of Governors and school principals should note the regulations and procedures that govern the use of school premises for political events.”

The letter - from Mervyn Gregg of the Department’s Education Governance Team - said school authorities were expected to follow its advice, “especially in the run up to the forthcoming by-election in the Mid Ulster constituency.”

According to Mr Gregg, Regulations 6 of the Primary Schools: General Regulations (NI) 1973 and regulation 7 of the Secondary Schools (Grant Conditions) Regulations (NI) 1973 apply to grant-aided schools here.

The legislation states: “A school shall not be used for political meetings, the transaction of any political business or for any purpose connected directly or indirectly with Parliamentary, Assembly or Local Government elections except as polling booths on the requisition of the officer responsible in accordance with the statutes governing such elections.”

The circular warned school Governors and Heads that this was the legal position.

Any political meetings aimed at canvassing for votes for any particular political party or any particular political party election candidate are not allowed.

The Minister told Mr Campbell that the circular was an advice document only.

He stated: “Circular Number 2013/04, issued by the Department on 27 February, provides specific guidance for the Board of Governors and Principals of schools only.”