To ask the Minister of Education given that he stated on BBC Radio Ulster that the target was 352 but the Education Authority has told schools that it is 762, to outline the targets for schools participating in the Shared Education Signature Project.

The target for the DSC Shared Education Signature Project is to increase the percentage of schools providing shared classes to 33% by end of 2017/18. At the time the target was set there were 1,068 schools (primary, post-primary and special) - hence a target of 352 schools. Statistics for 2016/17 show the number of schools has declined to 1,061 – hence the current target is 350 schools. The Education Authority reference to 762 schools relates to the number potentially eligible to participate in the programme.