Minister accuses DUP over 11-plus

The Executive met at Stormont on Thuirsday

Education Minister Catriona Ruane has accused the DUP of blocking discussion on her plans to replace the 11-plus.

After an Executive meeting on Thursday afternoon, she said she would not bring forward any new proposals.

Instead, the minister said she would meet with her officials before taking "decisive action" in the days ahead.

As the Executive has not approved any new legal regulations on transfer to post primary schools, it appears likely the minister will issue guidelines.

"The DUP blocked proposals that I was bringing forward for discussion and the agenda," the minister said.

"The 11-plus is gone, now is the time for decisive action - I'm thankful that it's gone.

"I won't be bringing forward a replacement with academic selection, I'll be bringing forward detailed policies in the next few days."

The decision to axe the Maze stadium project did not make it on to Thursday's Executive agenda either.

Ministers did discuss their plans for a cattle cull in the wake of the dioxin scare.

It is understood Health Minister Michael McGimpsey was unhappy about plans that his budget and that of other departments would be used to pay for the cull.

Ministers also discussed the technicalities of the scheme which will make winter fuel payments to vulnerable households.