DUP leader Gavin Robinson has backed the decision of his party colleague and Stormont Education Minister Paul Givan to visit Israel.<\/p>\n
Mr Givan travelled with a group of unionist MLAs after an invitation by the government of Israel for an official visit as part of a delegation of representatives from Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n
During the trip Mr Givan visited a school in Jerusalem.<\/p>\n
The Department of Education said he afterwards asked that it be highlighted on its social media channels.<\/p>\n
Teachers\u2019 unions have expressed concerns, with the Northern Ireland Teachers\u2019 Council claiming the department\u2019s promotion of the school visit is an \u201covertly political and divisive act\u201d and urging the post be deleted.<\/p>\n
Rival politicians have questioned whether it was appropriate to visit Israel at time when the country is facing international criticism for the conduct of its military offensive in Gaza.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, SDLP leader of the opposition Matthew O\u2019Toole said they will use all means at Stormont to demand answers from the minister.<\/p>\n
He said he has written to the head of the Civil Service and the permanent secretary at the Department of Education to establish what role the civil service played in the trip and whether the Northern Ireland Civil Service Code of Ethics has been compromised.<\/p>\n
People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll has said he intends to submit a motion of no confidence in Mr Givan at the Assembly.<\/p>\n
\nEducation Minister @paulgivan<\/a> visited Ofek School in the Jerusalem District today to learn more about Israel\u2019s innovative approaches to gifted education and inclusive learning.<\/p>\n
The Minister engaged in discussions with Principal Racheli Yitzhak, along with representatives of the\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/VhVThJjMg0<\/a><\/p>\n