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All students welcomed equally to Northern Ireland universities - Empey

25 January 2010

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, expressed his wholehearted support for the top class universities in Northern Ireland.

He was speaking during a debate on encouraging protestant students to choose to study in a university in Northern Ireland, rather than elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

During the debate, allegations were made that there was nothing to encourage protestant students to apply to universities here but this was refuted robustly by the Minister.

Sir Reg said: “I reject this statement completely.  I commissioned a report which examines this very topic and it clearly shows that there were no strong ‘chill factors’ identified which alienate either community.  

“We are all aware of the importance of encouraging equal access to higher education, irrespective of a person’s background, and my Department has put measures in place to widen participation.  Without doubt, this is a complex issue whose roots reach back into primary and post primary level education.”

The Minister commented on the high quality of teaching and learning available at our universities.  He said: “Our universities have a long and proud tradition of educating our young people to a very high standard.  Both universities significantly improved their standing following the recent RAE (Research Assessment Exercise) and both universities have also won numerous awards including for entrepreneurship and widening participation.”

Notes to editors:

  1. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 028 9025 7872.  Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.