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Minister clarifies timing of variable fees review for students

  9 December 2008

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today refuted any claim that his Department has failed to deliver movement on the review of variable fees and student finance arrangements.

Re-emphasising his public commitment to date, Sir Reg said: “I have consistently made it clear that the Review of Fees and Student Finance would commence during academic year 2008-09.  Significant work has been underway to initiate this important review, indeed only last week I announced that the review would be chaired independently by Joanne Stuart, current Chairperson of the Institute of Directors in Northern Ireland.  Also, as all key stakeholders were aware, Dr Alessandra Faggian had already been appointed to carry out the project, ‘Utilisation of Existing Data Sources’ to contribute towards an evidence base for the review.  Terms of reference were submitted to the Committee on 12 November 2008.”

The Minister went on to clarify: “I have explained that it would not have been feasible to commence the review before the current academic year, as data on student enrolments for the academic year 2007 – 08 will not be available until January 2009.  These figures, along with those for the previous academic year, will provide crucial baseline evidence for the review.

“In addition, there is no benefit to be gained from accelerating the progress of this review.  The review needs to be comprehensive to ensure that future policy for Northern Ireland is determined against a sound evidence base from a range of sources.  The earliest date for Higher Education Statistical Agency (HESA) enrolment data for a full three year cohort of variable fees is January 2010.”

Sir Reg concluded: “I have written to key stakeholders asking them to participate on a review steering group to ensure their interests are represented as the review progresses.  Both myself and Joanne look forward to working with the steering group and I, and my officials will continue to work very closely with the Committee for Employment and Learning on taking forward this important review and I look forward to receiving their full support.

“Following a meeting with the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Committee, I have indicated that I will update the Committee on a quarterly basis and in addition there may be interim reports during the course of the review.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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