DossierPoliticsUnited KingdomUpdated November 10, 2026
Paul Givan
Paul Givan is the Minister of Education of Northern Ireland, a role he has held since 2024. As Minister, he has published position papers on integrated education and launched a strategy for teacher professional learning. He has also announced reforms to pre-school admissions and the Temporary Variation policy to prioritise parental preference. In June 2026, he criticised delays to the implementation of Special Educational Needs Regulations.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Field
- Politics
- Fact checks
- 2
Fact checks
True · November 10, 2026
“Unionist parties have not won more than 50% of the vote in a Northern Ireland Assembly election since 2003, and their vote share was in the low 40s in 2022.”
Unverified · November 10, 2026
“Sinn Féin, SDLP, and Alliance together hold a majority in the Northern Ireland Assembly and vote together on most issues.”
Record
Controversy · June 1, 2026
Dispute over SEN Regulations delay
In June 2026, Paul Givan publicly criticised the Assembly's Education Committee for delaying the implementation of Special Educational Needs Regulations, stating the delay was neither acceptable nor in the best interests of children with special educational needs. [1]
Affiliations
Department of Education (Northern Ireland)
The Department of Education is the Northern Ireland government department responsible for education policy and services. Paul Givan serves as its Minister, a role he has held since 2024. [2]
Northern Ireland Assembly
The Northern Ireland Assembly is the devolved legislature of Northern Ireland. Paul Givan is a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and serves as Minister of Education. [3]
Sources
Profiles are compiled from public reporting and updated as new information appears.
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