15th December 2000

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Professor Gerry McKenna, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ulster, this morning publicly welcomed the Minister’s announcement and especially his intention to direct funding towards those in greatest need. He declared that the proposals would make for a fairer and more stable community through inclusion. The Vice-Chancellor said today:

“The University of Ulster places inclusion at the centre of its work. In today’s world of work, especially in what is called the knowledge society, we are dedicated to offering university education to all who can benefit. For that reason, I warmly welcome the Minister’s intention to use whatever funds are available to support those least well off in our community. Otherwise, many talented people will escape the net”.

Professor McKenna singled out a number of proposals as important for the future of Northern Ireland. These include childcare grants for low income, mature students with children and means tested access bursaries, measures which will encourage into higher education people from areas of the community with a tradition of low participation. He also supported individual learning accounts for some part-time courses, declaring that this was “a practical expression of how to promote a culture of Lifelong Learning”.

The Vice-Chancellor also publicly welcomed the fact that there was to be some relaxation on the ceiling on numbers allowed into higher education. He said that this was to encourage participation from low income groups and also to help address the skills shortage, especially in the emerging industries.

“If Northern Ireland is to be competitive in the 21st century, these are the sort of measures we must take and continue to take. The Minister’s proposals are a significant step forward and have the full support of the University of Ulster”, the Vice-Chancellor concluded.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk