Queen’s University Belfast and Stranmillis University College: Merger

– in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 3:15 pm on 23 April 2012.

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Photo of Lord Maurice Morrow Lord Maurice Morrow DUP 3:15, 23 April 2012

9. asked the Minister for Employment and Learning for an update on the proposed merger between Stranmillis University College and Queen’s University Belfast.      (AQO 1772/11-15)

Photo of Stephen Farry Stephen Farry Alliance

: I have already updated members on the proposed merger in writing on four occasions and once orally on 12 September 2011. In addition, I made a statement on teacher education issues to the Assembly on 28 November 2011. I have commissioned a two-stage study of the teacher education infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The first stage of that will be completed in the summer and the second stage in the autumn.

Photo of Lord Maurice Morrow Lord Maurice Morrow DUP

: I thank the Minister for his reply. He stated the number of occasions on which he has provided updates. Does he accept that confusion reigns supreme around this whole subject? When will he take the opportunity to clarify the matter and be precise and exact about what is happening? Quite frankly, there is a lot of uncertainty, and, with no disrespect to the Minister, he seems to be the author of it.

Photo of Stephen Farry Stephen Farry Alliance

: I thank Lord Morrow for the opportunity to clarify the situation once again. I inherited a situation in which there was a consultation on the merger of Stranmillis and Queen’s University. Indeed, the party that was the author of that consultation strategy changed its mind on what it wanted to do. Lord Morrow’s party also indicated that it was not supportive of that merger going ahead.

I have stated that I am willing to move the legislation on that when there is sufficient support in the Assembly to carry that legislation. However, the issue is much broader than the potential merger of Queen’s and Stranmillis. For that reason, I have announced a two-stage review of the teacher education infrastructure. The first stage is looking at the financial model behind the two teacher training colleges. The second stage will explore options for sharing that will flow from the outcome of the first stage. We expect that first stage to conclude towards the end of June.