Executive will have final say on Dickson

He was speaking in the Assembly in response to a question from Sydney Anderson.

DUP MLA Anderson said: “I asked him what implications last December’s High Court decision (which ruled that the Agriculture Minister had breached the Ministerial Code by failing to refer a controversial matter to the Executive), might have for the Dickson plan for education in the Craigavon/Tandragee area.”

Mr Robinson said he had “always held the view that the decisions in relation to the Dickson Plan in Craigavon and the surrounding area are such that the matter would have to come to the Executive”.

Mr Anderson also asked Mr Robinson what steps he would take if the Education Minister, John O’Dowd, decided not to bring the matter to the Executive.

Mr Robinson said: “There are a number of ways that it can be brought to the Executive. However, I do not have any reason to believe that the Education Minister will not bring the matter to the Executive if it requires a decision.”

Mr Anderson said: “Supporters of the Dickson Plan should be encouraged by the First Minister’s robust and supportive line on this vital matter, and I and my party colleagues will continue to monitor developments closely.”