Not revealing cost of Etio review sets 'worrying precedent', says MHK

A request not to answer Lawrie Hooper's written Tynwald question has been upheld

An MHK says not giving more details about how much public money has been spent on a review of the Island's schools sets a 'worrying precedent'.

Ramsey member, Lawrie Hooper, wanted to know the total cost of the validation undertaken by Etio.

But the President of Tynwald upheld a request from the education minister not to answer his written question because it was 'contrary to the public interest'.

Mr Hooper has described the move as 'bizarre', and says he's concerned it gives government an excuse to be less transparent:

Manx Radio has invited the President of Tynwald and government to respond.

Laurence Skelly says he has 'nothing further to add' other than he has exercised his responsibilities under Tynwald’s Standing Orders.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture has provided the following statement:

"It is important to clarify that the request in question sought the total cost of the Department’s three-year contract with Etio, not just the production of an annual report.

"This contract spans a comprehensive programme of school validation over a period of three years.

"This is still a live contract.  

"Each school validation includes significant preparation and follow-up work, as well as visits by external validaters to schools and educational services.

"This results in both internal quality assurance summaries and published parent information summaries.

"The wider ‘Annual Overview – Isle of Man External Validation of Schools and Education Services 2024’ has been published on the Department’s website and highlights emerging Isle of Man themes to support system wide improvements.

"The internal school-level summaries are not published due to their sensitive nature.

"Releasing them would risk undermining the trust and engagement of school staff in the process, and potentially lead to individuals being publicly identified, which is not our wish.

"The President of Tynwald has ruled on the matter regarding the costs of the contract and the Department respects that decision."