SDLP Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin
Ms McLaughlin was responding to a written answer from DUP Economy Minister Gordon Lyons who stressed competition with the South rather than co-operation.
Said the Foyle MLA: “Academic research has concluded that both the North and South would benefit from greater co-operation between the institutions of the two jurisdictions.
“The North could particularly benefit from this, given that superior performance of the South’s IDA compared to Invest NI.
“I do, though, welcome DUP Economy Minister Gordon Lyons’ acknowledgement that skills provision is the major draw for inward investment.
“That is exactly why I and the SDLP in Derry have campaigned for generations for much expanded university provision here, as well as additional resources for vocational skills training.
“It has been DUP ministers who have consistently stood in the way of this.”
