Today Adrianne Peltz, President of NUS-USI met with Dr Stephen Farry, Minister for Employment and Learning to discuss the future of the Department and its proposed dissolution.  The key issues that were discussed included the impending EMA consultation and the consequences for students in receipt of this vital fund; the future of teacher training in Northern Ireland; Higher Education Strategy and Youth Unemployment.

NUS-USI voiced concerns over the delay in the EMA consultation process and highlighted the potential impact the cutting of EMA will have on current and future students.  The Minister has assured that NUS-USI will be a key stakeholder during the EMA review.

The controversial matter of teacher training places in Northern Ireland has raised many questions within the Department and the student movement and the Minister has proposed an independent review into the financial viability of teacher training providers in Northern Ireland. NUS-USI will be ensuring that concerns over equality in teacher training are addressed with an outcome that is favourable for all students in this field.

Adrianne expressed disappointment at the continued postponement of the Higher Education Strategy Steering group and vocalised disillusion at the apparent lack of urgency in the development of this crucial under-pinning driver for higher education in Northern Ireland.  The steps toward de-coupling the widening participation strategy from a mere chapter within the HE Strategy to a fully resourced strategy is welcome news to the student movement.  With Northern Ireland's continued track record of widening access to non-traditional students, this is a clear signal that the Department is willing to invest resources in removing barriers to higher education.

In a bold move, after extensive lobbying from NUS-USI, the Minister has agreed to tackle burgeoning youth unemployment in Northern Ireland.  Plans are afoot to implement a youth employment scheme in collaboration with the student movement and will be examining standards in internships and work placements, the promotion of work placements with local businesses and the development of work-based skills for all learners.

The Minister echoed NUS-USI's fears in relation to the break-up of the Department and, with a consultation due to go out in the coming weeks, NUS-USI will be ensuring that both Further and Higher Education will be represented in an appropriate way in the new department and assured us that the learner experience will not be compromised.