Menu
31/05/2002
Committee calls for review of university’s finances
An assembly committee has called for an immediate update on the finances of Queen’s University in Belfast.
The call made last night follows the news that four departments within the university may have to close due to a lack of funding.
At least four academic departments, the Institute of Irish Studies, Ancient and Classical history, Byzantine Studies and Philosophy are under threat of closure or job cuts.
Committee Chairman, Dr Esmond Birnie said: “I will be seeking an immediate briefing from the Minister for Employment and Learning on these worrying recent reports. I do not wish to see a reduction in courses, staff or student intake, which would all have a negative impact on the local community and reduce access to Higher Education. Should this prove true it would be a very worrying development and one which my Committee will wish to fully explore.”
Issuing a response statement the university said: “Like any successful organisation Queens’ reviews its range of activities on a regular basis. It is currently involved in its strategic planning procedure. When it is completed it will be presented to the Senate.”
Dr Steven King, who is a member of the university senate, said any damage to Irish Studies would be a disaster.
"The Institute for Irish Studies is a five star department and it is one of the strongest research departments within the university," he told a radio programme yesterday.
"It is costing the university a very small amount of money relatively speaking.
"It would be an appalling act against Ireland if Queens was to close the department."
Meanwhile it has emerged Lanyon II, the new Student union building has been delayed.
The university said the designs were finalised but that actual work would have to wait until resources were found.
Queen's new student centre, will go ahead when funding becomes available, the University said today. The first phase of the project has been completed, but the University is not seeking planning permission at this stage.
In a statement the University said: “The gap in funding, which was to have been filled by philanthropic sources, was already ambitious. That gap has now been extended even further. The University is actively pursuing a number of options, but it would not be prudent to go ahead without having all the funds in place.”
(AMcE)
The call made last night follows the news that four departments within the university may have to close due to a lack of funding.
At least four academic departments, the Institute of Irish Studies, Ancient and Classical history, Byzantine Studies and Philosophy are under threat of closure or job cuts.
Committee Chairman, Dr Esmond Birnie said: “I will be seeking an immediate briefing from the Minister for Employment and Learning on these worrying recent reports. I do not wish to see a reduction in courses, staff or student intake, which would all have a negative impact on the local community and reduce access to Higher Education. Should this prove true it would be a very worrying development and one which my Committee will wish to fully explore.”
Issuing a response statement the university said: “Like any successful organisation Queens’ reviews its range of activities on a regular basis. It is currently involved in its strategic planning procedure. When it is completed it will be presented to the Senate.”
Dr Steven King, who is a member of the university senate, said any damage to Irish Studies would be a disaster.
"The Institute for Irish Studies is a five star department and it is one of the strongest research departments within the university," he told a radio programme yesterday.
"It is costing the university a very small amount of money relatively speaking.
"It would be an appalling act against Ireland if Queens was to close the department."
Meanwhile it has emerged Lanyon II, the new Student union building has been delayed.
The university said the designs were finalised but that actual work would have to wait until resources were found.
Queen's new student centre, will go ahead when funding becomes available, the University said today. The first phase of the project has been completed, but the University is not seeking planning permission at this stage.
In a statement the University said: “The gap in funding, which was to have been filled by philanthropic sources, was already ambitious. That gap has now been extended even further. The University is actively pursuing a number of options, but it would not be prudent to go ahead without having all the funds in place.”
(AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
22 November 2024
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
15 November 2024
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
30 August 2004
UU to hold conflict resolution conference
Experts from around the world will gather at the University of Ulster this week to discuss a wide range of topics concerning conflict research.
UU to hold conflict resolution conference
Experts from around the world will gather at the University of Ulster this week to discuss a wide range of topics concerning conflict research.
18 January 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.
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.
-
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.
