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Farry secures Executive agreement to address Higher Education budget deficit and maintain student fees levels

8 September 2011

Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, today secured additional funds from the Executive to address the £40million higher education budget deficit that will allow tuition fees to be kept at current levels, subject only to an inflationary rise.

The funding package that has been put in place will ensure the sustainable funding of the higher education sector and address the resultant budgetary pressures.

Minister Farry said: “My overarching concern is to ensure that Northern Ireland continues to have a world class higher education system and that university study is available to all, irrespective of background. I am grateful to my Executive colleagues for working with me to collectively address this very important issue. I am now in a position to take final policy decisions that will shape the future of the higher education sector in this region.

"The Executive's decision clearly demonstrates the recognition of the importance of higher education for our economy. Our universities fulfil a crucial role as economic drivers, contributing positively to skills, research and development, and a knowledge based economy."

The Minister concluded: “I intend setting out my decisions on the future policy on higher education tuition fees and student finance arrangements in a statement to the Assembly on 12 September.”

Notes to editors:

  1. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch, on 028 9025 7466. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.