Mrs Dodds welcomed this as an important step in removing discrimination in the appointment of teaching staff and looked forward to further engagement to strengthen the provisions of the Bill.
Speaking after the Second Reading of the Bill she said.
“The current exemption and longstanding exception in fair employment law for teaching appointments, has permitted discrimination for staffing selection in our schools for too long.
Progress in removing this practice in a society where everyone should be treated equally and given equal opportunity, is welcome.
The DUP has consistently opposed discrimination in employment practices and welcomes the progress of this Bill in achieving that fundamental aim.
The DUP will be engaging extensively at the Committee Stage of this Bill, to strengthen its provisions and to ensure other discriminatory and outdated practices in the appointment of teaching staff are finally brought to an end.
The work to deliver and promote shared education will only truly prosper if we adopt an holistic approach and tackle all forms of discrimination that are permitted by current practices.”