"Hypocritical if P&R don't call for ESC's resignation"

Tuesday 30 July 2019

Deputies have been receiving "rumours and complaints" about the Education, Sport and Culture Committee's conduct for some time now, according to one Deputy.

Deputy Carl Meerveld, who was the Vice-President of the previous ESC Committee, said his successors should consider their positions over a recruitment scandal that was made public over the weekend.

An email sent by ESC President Matt Fallaize to his then Chief Secretary exposed significant political interference in the recruitment process for a new Head of Curriculum & Standards.

Deputy Fallaize has said he has no intention of resigning over the situation. 

Deputy Meerveld said the leaked email confirmed rumours that had been circulating for some time now. 

"As deputies we are approached all the time by members of the public, businesses and civil servants complaining about the actions of individuals or committees or civil servants within the States," he said. "Unfortunately we are very rarely presented with clear evidence to support us taking action.

"What has come out in the media this weekend is to me clear evidence supporting the rumours and complaints that many deputies have received about the actions of the new ESC Committee, evidence that Deputy Dudley-Owen was trying to obtain through her Rule 14 questions which ESC answered very evasively and her Rule 11 questions which were not answered under legal advice."

Deputy Fallaize said at the weekend that he remains committed to leading his committee's secondary and post-16 reforms through the States. 

Deputy Meerveld said the "anecdotal criticism" of the Home Affairs Committee contained in a governance report paled in comparison to the leaked email.

"In my mind these actions are far more egregious than anything the Home Committee was accused of and I think he and his whole committee should consider their positions," said Deputy Meerveld. 

"The supposed evidence against Home was purely anecdotal and here you have very clear evidence in writing. It would be very hypocritical of Policy & Resources not to request the resignation of the committee as they did with Home. 

"My concern is that there has been clear favouritism for some committees within the States by P&R and double standards which may influence their actions."

He said the most important thing is that the States' Assembly have clear heads when making a decision on Education's proposed reforms, as the outcome of the debate scheduled currently for September will impacts generations of youngsters.

"I am not particularly interested in pursuing the removal of the committee. I am more concerned by to what extent are the proposals compromised by this committee’s influence. It is essential that the right action is taken to develop our education system in the best possible way for the present and future generations of our children." 

Pictured top: Deputy Carl Meerveld.