Menu
18/01/2022
Young People Impacted By DUP's 'Foolhardy Pursuit' Of Hard Brexit
The future of Northern Ireland's young people is being impacted by the DUP's "foolhardy pursuit" of a hard Brexit, SDLP Brexit Spokesperson Matthew O'Toole has said.
Speaking after the Assembly's Economy Committee heard that measures including cutting university places, increasing tuition fees by nearly 60% and abolishing the Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) were being considered to make up a £65m shortfall after the department lost £100m in EU funding, Mr O'Toole said young people should not face barriers in accessing education as direct result of failures from the DUP and other Brexiteers.
The South Belfast MLA said: "The proposals brought forward at the Economy Committee last week have caused serious alarm amongst our young people and the higher education sector. The DUP have made a mess of this department for the last 15 years and now it looks as though their fanatical pursuit of the hardest Brexit possible will result in a huge funding shortfall and their plan is to pass the cost for this onto our young people.
"Every person in the North should be able to pursue their education to whatever level they wish and fulfil their full potential. Cutting apprenticeship training, university places, and EMA, while raising tuition fees will create serious barriers to education in the North. It will also result in less people receiving qualifications, with a knock-on effect for our entire economy.
"We were told by the DUP and other Brexit cheerleaders that leaving the UK would result in huge funding becoming available to spend on public services – the opposite has proved true and vital funding has been lost. The DUP has failed our young people and it's galling to hear their leader Jeffrey Donaldson angling for a second job, when because of his party's short-sightedness many people may struggle to get one."
Speaking after the Assembly's Economy Committee heard that measures including cutting university places, increasing tuition fees by nearly 60% and abolishing the Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) were being considered to make up a £65m shortfall after the department lost £100m in EU funding, Mr O'Toole said young people should not face barriers in accessing education as direct result of failures from the DUP and other Brexiteers.
The South Belfast MLA said: "The proposals brought forward at the Economy Committee last week have caused serious alarm amongst our young people and the higher education sector. The DUP have made a mess of this department for the last 15 years and now it looks as though their fanatical pursuit of the hardest Brexit possible will result in a huge funding shortfall and their plan is to pass the cost for this onto our young people.
"Every person in the North should be able to pursue their education to whatever level they wish and fulfil their full potential. Cutting apprenticeship training, university places, and EMA, while raising tuition fees will create serious barriers to education in the North. It will also result in less people receiving qualifications, with a knock-on effect for our entire economy.
"We were told by the DUP and other Brexit cheerleaders that leaving the UK would result in huge funding becoming available to spend on public services – the opposite has proved true and vital funding has been lost. The DUP has failed our young people and it's galling to hear their leader Jeffrey Donaldson angling for a second job, when because of his party's short-sightedness many people may struggle to get one."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 March 2024
Additional £3m Announced For Supporting People Programme
An additional £3 million in funding for the Supporting People programme, which aims to the quality of life for vulnerable people through appropriate housing-related services, has been announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.
Additional £3m Announced For Supporting People Programme
An additional £3 million in funding for the Supporting People programme, which aims to the quality of life for vulnerable people through appropriate housing-related services, has been announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.
25 February 2022
Estimated 20,000 Young People Not In Education Or Work
An estimated 20,000 young people in Northern Ireland who were not in education, employment or training (NEET) in the last three months to December 2021. The Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency (NISRA) has published the latest statistics on NEET young people.
Estimated 20,000 Young People Not In Education Or Work
An estimated 20,000 young people in Northern Ireland who were not in education, employment or training (NEET) in the last three months to December 2021. The Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency (NISRA) has published the latest statistics on NEET young people.
10 January 2019
DUP Slams Sinn Fein Brussels 'Sideshow'
DUP MEP Diane Dodds has hit out at Sinn Fein's leadership in the run up to Brexit, branding their visit to the EU Parliament in Brussels as a "shout for relevance". It follows Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald's meeting with chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier on Wednesday 09 January.
DUP Slams Sinn Fein Brussels 'Sideshow'
DUP MEP Diane Dodds has hit out at Sinn Fein's leadership in the run up to Brexit, branding their visit to the EU Parliament in Brussels as a "shout for relevance". It follows Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald's meeting with chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier on Wednesday 09 January.
27 October 2017
Three Out Of Four Older People Concerned About Impact Of Brexit
Three out of four older people in Northern Ireland are concerned about the impact Brexit will have on them, according to a new report. A report launched by the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament also revealed seven out of ten concerned about freedom of movement across the border.
Three Out Of Four Older People Concerned About Impact Of Brexit
Three out of four older people in Northern Ireland are concerned about the impact Brexit will have on them, according to a new report. A report launched by the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament also revealed seven out of ten concerned about freedom of movement across the border.
26 May 2011
Deprived Children Have 'No Career Goal'
A report published on Wednesday has found that one in four of those from deprived homes believe that 'few' or 'none' of their career goals are achievable.
Deprived Children Have 'No Career Goal'
A report published on Wednesday has found that one in four of those from deprived homes believe that 'few' or 'none' of their career goals are achievable.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
