T6. Mr K Buchanan asked the Minister for the Economy whether he is content with the process that was used by Ulster University recently to appoint Stephen Farry and Jodie Carson. (AQT 626/22-27)

The university is an autonomous body when it comes to its appointments and recruitment. That question has been sent to me in written form, and the response that was delivered to people is that that is the university's responsibility. I saw a public statement somewhere in which it outlined the appointments process for the, I think, two posts that it created for Dr Farry and another person. The university has responsibility for that: it is not a responsibility for the Department. The university has autonomy in how it makes appointments.

Thank you for your answer, Minister. You, obviously, hold responsibility for higher education and employment rights. A recent communication from the Equality Commission mentions equality of opportunity. Was there equality of opportunity in that process? Will you commit to tasking your officials with conducting an investigation and reporting back to the House on their findings?

As I said, the university has autonomy. It may well be the case that your colleague beside you on the Committee invites it up here to have a discussion about the issue. The Department is not involved in the university's recruitment processes. I am very happy to ask questions and seek information from the university, but, as I said, it is responsible for its own recruitment processes. The university has outlined how it appointed in accordance with the rules and regulations that govern it — I saw a public response that it provided. However, if others wish to interrogate that further, that is a matter for them.