MPs have given the green light to legislation reducing the responsibilities of the Board of Education.

The board will no longer be tasked with making a case to the Public Service Commission on appointing principals, or directors of the Department of Education.

Diallo Rabain, the education minister, told the House of Assembly: “These changes are transitional in nature, and are needed to improve the operations of the board as the Government moves towards an Education Authority to govern our education system.”

He said the board had been “diligent in keeping up with its increased workload” as the public school system moved to Plan 2022.

“The board has built a strong role,” he added. “Trust me, they are not getting anything in relation to the amount of hours they are putting in.”

MPs heard the Bill would deliver some of the “tweaks” needed for the Education Authority to come into existence.

The creation of an independent authority was among the Progressive Labour Party’s campaign pledges in last year’s General Election.

Additionally, the legislation will allow the minister to appoint a board member as its deputy chairman.

The Permanent Secretary will have a say at board meetings – but will not get a vote in its decisions.

MPs agreed on the Act after a half-hour debate.