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Kennedy committed to securing Higher Education achievements

1 November 2010

In today's debate on university and student funding, Employment and Learning Minister Danny Kennedy MLA urged the Assembly and Executive to secure Northern Ireland's higher education achievements.

He welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the debate in his new role and said: “I will take time to consider all of the key issues surrounding HE funding as I and my Assembly colleagues seek the best course for the future funding of higher education in Northern Ireland and to provide the best opportunities possible for our young people.

“All of this has to be considered within the context of the current financial and economic realities and no firm decisions can be taken until the full details of the spending review implications for Northern Ireland are known and the Executive set our spending priorities in the budget.”

The Minister commented: “Joanne Stuart has been asked to update her report in light of Lord Browne’s report and I would expect this work to be completed around the end of the year. The reports from Lord Browne and Joanne Stuart will help us think through the challenges before us and will inform the public consultation that I intend to bring forward in the new year on these crucial issues.”

Mr. Kennedy took over from Sir Reg Empey last Wednesday as the Minister for Employment and Learning and has immediately immersed himself in the issues around HE funding and student support.  

The Minister concluded: “As I outlined in the debate and, due in no small measure to my predecessor Sir Reg Empey, we already have great success stories in Northern Ireland – two fantastic universities; an excellent track record in opening up university education to people of all backgrounds; and world class quality in the field of research and development.  I want the forthcoming debate to be about securing these achievements for future generations.”

Notes to editors:

  1. All media queries 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 715440 and your call will be returned.