BBC News Published Northern Ireland's education minister has defended his decision to reopen schools in Janaury. Teaching unions have criticised his plans which were set out on Friday. Peter Weir says his decision was taken in line with public health advice and that the executive will keep it under review. The chair of Stormont's education committee has submitted an assembly recall petition for Mr Weir to give an urgent statement on the school plans. Thirty MLAs must sign Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle's petition in order to have the assembly recalled next week. The NI Assembly is currently in recess until 10 January.