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22 March 2005

LAUNCH OF CONSULTATION ON PROPOSAL FOR A DRAFT COLLEGES OF EDUCATION (NORTHERN IRELAND) ORDER 2005

Barry Gardiner, MP, Minister with responsibility for Employment and Learning, today launched a public consultation on proposed legislation aimed at establishing Stranmillis University College as a legally independent corporate body, in line with other Higher Education Institutions (HEI's) in Northern Ireland.

Announcing details of the consultation, the Minister said:

"In light of the recent policy consultation, I wish to bring forward legislation to establish the College as legally independent of the Department. A governing body would be set up to assume ultimate responsibility for the management of the Institution, consistent with other higher education providers in Northern Ireland."

The Minister emphasised that the College's current business activity would not be affected. He said:

"Securing an appropriate statutory position will not alter the academic provision of Stranmillis University College, nor will it affect the pay and conditions of staff. Most importantly, the status of current and future students of the College will not be compromised."

In conclusion, Barry Gardiner called for all interested parties to consider the proposed legislation and respond to the consultation at the earliest opportunity.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. Stranmillis University College was founded in 1922, by the Ministry of Education, to provide state-funded teacher training in Northern Ireland, alongside that already available at St. Mary's University College, Belfast. It is concerned primarily with the initial training of teachers.

  2. The legal status of higher education institutions can take different forms. Most of the pre-1992 universities were established by a royal charter granted through the Privy Council, together with an associated set of statutes. Both The Queen's University and the University of Ulster were founded by Royal Charter.

  3. The policy consultation on proposals to establish Stranmillis University College as a legally distinct corporate institution ended on 15 October 2004. All of the consultees who responded agreed that the statutory position of the College should be regularised.

  4. The Draft Order and Explanatory Memorandum are available on the DEL website on: http://www.delni.gov.uk/ConsultationDebate.cfm

  5. The consultation period closes on 13 May 2005.

  6. Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.

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