Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey today reaffirmed his commitment to providing an internationally competitive higher education sector.
Speaking at the NUS-USI “Great Higher Education Funding Debate” held at the Malone House, Belfast, the Minister said: “I welcome this debate and the sharing of views on how higher education should be funded to ensure the provision of a first class system delivering the skills and knowledge needed to support a dynamic and innovative Northern Ireland economy.”
The minister also emphasised the benefits of a higher education: “Higher education is one of the best investments one can make. Graduates offer employers better skills and research shows that, on average, they earn significantly more than non-graduates.”
Sir Reg acknowledged students’ concerns saying: “I am fully aware of students’ concerns about variable tuition fees and levels of debt. However, students do not have to pay variable tuition fees upfront and only have to repay when they can afford to do so ie when they are earning over £15,000 per annum. Even then, only 9% of earnings above £15,000 are used to repay any loan.
“My department has already committed to conducting an independent review of variable tuition fees and student finance arrangements which is due to commence in the 2008/2009 academic year. This review will look at participation levels in higher education since the introduction of variable fees and consider any differential effect on particular groups including the Section 75 categories and those from low income backgrounds.”
The minister concluded by saying: “It is vital that we work together to provide a higher education sector, accessible to all who are able to benefit and meeting the needs of the Northern Ireland economy and wider society.”
Also participating in the debate were other MLAs, higher education representatives along with NUS-USI and UCU members.