Menu
08/09/2011
Universities Call For Decision On Fees
There has been political reaction to news of a virtual impasse on university funding.
The SDLP Further Education Spokesperson Pat Ramsey has called on the Stormont Executive to make the right decision "today" on student fees and "end the long period of frustration for students, their families and the community at large about the future of higher education here".
He was speaking after NI's two universities made public their joint appeal to the Stormont Executive to make a decision on the level of fees students will have to pay.
The Pro-vice Chancellor at Queen's Tony Gallagher said: "Decisions on the appropriate funding of higher education are urgently required if our universities are not to be damaged beyond repair."
He has described today as 'D-day' for the future of Northern Ireland's Universities as students descend on Queen's and the University of Ulster for their annual 'Open Days'.
"Yet, just weeks from them having to decide which university they would like to attend, they have no idea about the level of fees they will pay, what financial support will be available to them, or whether they will be forced out of a higher education place by increased competition from English students," he added.
The Vice-chancellor of the University of Ulster Richard Barnett said it is "essential for all young people in Northern Ireland - and their parents - that the Executive makes a decision today."
"It's essential also for what we signal to the rest of the world about the future of Northern Ireland."
Commenting, the SDLP Foyle MLA, said: "The Executive has to make a decision and make it now.
"The protracted period of uncertainty has left its mark on students, families and the wider community, not only uncertain about securing university places in the immediate but also the dark spectre hanging over the future of higher education.
"Young people have worked hard, over their entire post-primary life and are practically in limbo waiting on the Executive to make a decision. They don't deserve that frustration at this time of their lives," he said.
"The SDLP has continually called for no increase in fees. Higher education should not be the preserve of the rich.
"We need to invest in the future of our higher education sector," he said.
(BMcC/GK)
The SDLP Further Education Spokesperson Pat Ramsey has called on the Stormont Executive to make the right decision "today" on student fees and "end the long period of frustration for students, their families and the community at large about the future of higher education here".
He was speaking after NI's two universities made public their joint appeal to the Stormont Executive to make a decision on the level of fees students will have to pay.
The Pro-vice Chancellor at Queen's Tony Gallagher said: "Decisions on the appropriate funding of higher education are urgently required if our universities are not to be damaged beyond repair."
He has described today as 'D-day' for the future of Northern Ireland's Universities as students descend on Queen's and the University of Ulster for their annual 'Open Days'.
"Yet, just weeks from them having to decide which university they would like to attend, they have no idea about the level of fees they will pay, what financial support will be available to them, or whether they will be forced out of a higher education place by increased competition from English students," he added.
The Vice-chancellor of the University of Ulster Richard Barnett said it is "essential for all young people in Northern Ireland - and their parents - that the Executive makes a decision today."
"It's essential also for what we signal to the rest of the world about the future of Northern Ireland."
Commenting, the SDLP Foyle MLA, said: "The Executive has to make a decision and make it now.
"The protracted period of uncertainty has left its mark on students, families and the wider community, not only uncertain about securing university places in the immediate but also the dark spectre hanging over the future of higher education.
"Young people have worked hard, over their entire post-primary life and are practically in limbo waiting on the Executive to make a decision. They don't deserve that frustration at this time of their lives," he said.
"The SDLP has continually called for no increase in fees. Higher education should not be the preserve of the rich.
"We need to invest in the future of our higher education sector," he said.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 June 2014
University And Business Co-operation Having Positive Impact On Economy
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry said that co-operation between Northern Ireland’s universities and businesses has a positive impact on the local economy, as he launched the 2014 Higher Education Business and Community Interaction Survey (HE-BCI) Northern Ireland summary report.
University And Business Co-operation Having Positive Impact On Economy
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry said that co-operation between Northern Ireland’s universities and businesses has a positive impact on the local economy, as he launched the 2014 Higher Education Business and Community Interaction Survey (HE-BCI) Northern Ireland summary report.
23 September 2010
Taoiseach And Tánaiste Launch Development Of Grangegorman
The Taoiseach and Tánaiste has announced the approval of the master plan for the redevelopment of the Grangegorman site. The plans for Grangegorman will provide a modern consolidated campus for the Dublin Institute of Technology in addition to purpose built mental health facilities.
Taoiseach And Tánaiste Launch Development Of Grangegorman
The Taoiseach and Tánaiste has announced the approval of the master plan for the redevelopment of the Grangegorman site. The plans for Grangegorman will provide a modern consolidated campus for the Dublin Institute of Technology in addition to purpose built mental health facilities.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
