Robin Swann, Chair of the Stormont Employment and Learning Committee, and Ulster Unionist MLA for North Antrim has questioned the role of the Minister in mitigating cuts to student places, courses and staff at the Ulster University.
Mr. Swann said;
“It is the case that the primary responsibility for the cuts to university courses in Northern Ireland rest with the two leading parties who voted for the budget at the Executive- the DUP and Sinn Fein. However questions also need to be addressed by Mr. Farry, the Minister for Employment and Learning.
“Clearly, the closure of the School of Modern Languages at UUC is only part of the full picture of major reductions in staff levels and courses across all four campuses of the Ulster University. The loss of 210 staff positions and 1,250 student places is a major blow for higher education in Northern Ireland.
“These cuts and closures appear to have been made independently of Queens University, and crucially there does not appear to have been any coordination or facilitation between the Department of Employment and Learning and the Ulster University.
“Did Minister Farry not think he had an obligation to engage closely with the two Universities on this vital issue, and ensure that no unacceptable gaps emerge in the higher educational opportunities for our young people? He may complain about his budget and blame a ‘dysfunctional’ Executive, but it is clear from his recent utterances that only a team of wild horses would drag him from his Executive Ministry.”