T6. Mr Bradley asked the Minister for the Economy to outline the level of match funding, if any, that her Department has set aside to support the development and expansion of the world-leading research capabilities at Ulster University's Coleraine campus and how that funding compares with the significant investment and support that has been directed towards the development of the Magee campus in recent years. (AQT 2466/22-27)

I thank the Member for his question. The Member will be aware of the significant and positive work that is being undertaken through the Causeway Coast and Glens growth deal that will support the already fantastic capabilities at Ulster University's Coleraine campus. The Member will also, I hope, be aware of the 12% increase in student numbers at the Coleraine campus since the Executive returned, alongside the increase that we have seen at the Magee campus.

Of course, the investment in the Magee campus is an Executive-agreed priority and a Programme for Government commitment, and that is why the investment has been focused in that way. It is important that we ensure the development of the economy in the north-west and deliver on the potential of the area. Clearly, from a Constituency perspective, I also want to see a strong and thriving campus in Coleraine. I believe that we can see three campuses of Ulster University thriving, and that is why the work that I spoke about in response to Connie Egan's question is so important. We need a Budget that allows us to invest effectively in our universities, given their significant potential and the world-class research and innovation that is being undertaken at them.

I thank the Minister for her answer, but she will appreciate my concern that anybody in the House, when talking about the north-west, means Londonderry and Strabane. The north and the north-east, which run from Greysteel to Cushendun and Cushendall and cover the hinterlands of Kilrea and Garvagh, are often forgotten about and overlooked in the Chamber, hence my question.

I can assure the Member that they are certainly not overlooked or forgotten by me, as someone who represents those areas. I do not accept the Member's assertion that the north-west means Derry and Strabane. It is much wider than Derry and Strabane. We should be looking at the significant potential of the whole economy of the north-west, because we have really significant institutions there that are doing really good work through our universities and colleges. There is cutting-edge, world-class research and innovation being undertaken, and it is important that we continue to support that. We are doing so through our growth deals in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and the Derry City and Strabane District Council areas, and that is why, as I said, we need to see a sustainable Budget for the Executive. We need a sustainable Budget so that we can continue to support the investment that is required in order to deliver on our potential.

That brings to an end questions to the Minister for the Economy.