SDLP Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin
In response to an Assembly Written Question, the Minister for the Economy said that the scope and approach of the higher education funding review is now being further developed.
Said the Foyle MLA: “For years, the crisis in higher education funding has been laid bare. All too often, students have been forced into poverty and staff have been forced onto the picket line.
“The national students’ union has presented simply harrowing stories of students unable to afford the basic essentials.
“In my own city, the issue of funding for graduate entry medical students has gone unaddressed for far too long without serious action and right across the North, far too many students face financial barriers to studying, including at postgraduate level where the level of student loan falls short of the typical cost of a postgraduate degree.
“In that context, the SDLP has consistently campaigned for a better deal for those working and studying in higher education, yet those calls fell on deaf ears for too long in government.
“Finally, some progress was made when the previous Minister announced a review of higher education funding.
“Unfortunately, that announcement preceded a long period of a mothballed institution which frustrated progress again.
“Since the Executive returned, I have pressed the new Minister to re-commit to this review and I am pleased he has now done so.
“However, I am concerned that the review has not yet featured in the Programme for Government or the Departmental business plan.
“There can be no rollback on this position.
“Students and staff deserve a system that works for them at every level of study and this review could be an opportunity to deliver a true step change in our approach to this key sector which drives innovation and productivity across the region.
“I will continue to press for progress on this review and look forward to working with the Minister on this effort”.
