Other News In Brief

Bell Welcomes Community Relations In Schools

Junior Minister Jonathan Bell MLA paid tribute to the principals, parents and parent governors for their work in building community relations in schools.

Jonathan Bell MLA

Speaking after a CRIS - Community Relations In Schools event, Jonathan Bell MLA said: "The DUP have stated from the beginning we are focused on building a shared future not a shared out future. Peter Robinson has set out how he wants to end ‘educational apartheid’ in our schools. It is fundamental to our society that division is tackled and respect for diversity is respected and promoted.

"Northern Ireland is in a great place today we have the lowest level of recorded violence for 40 years and when measured against many indices we are the safest region in our United Kingdom."

Durkan Congratulates Fr Francis Bradley On New Appointment

SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has congratulated Father Francis Bradley on his appointment as the new administrator of the Derry Diocese – succeeding Monsignor Eamon Martin who has now taken up his new role as Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh.

Mr Durkan said: "I wish Fr. Bradley well as he undertakes this new responsibility.

"Obviously there are challenges in leading a diocese of this size at this time – but he will enjoy and deserve goodwill from many quarters.

"He has always struck me as having a clear mind, an easy manner and a natural pastoral instinct."

Farry Addresses NUS

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry today addressed representatives from the National Union of Students and the Union of Students Ireland (NUS-USI) at their annual conference in Enniskillen

The Minister said: "My Department's Graduating to Success, the first Higher Education Strategy for Northern Ireland sets out a long-term vision for the sector with implementation targets up to 2020. It looks towards the future with a shared vision for how best higher education can be used in creating the Executive's aim of a shared and better future for all supported by a rebalanced economy.

"Learners are at the heart of the Strategy. Our local universities play a critical role in producing graduates with the necessary skills to meet existing and new economic opportunities.

"The Northern Ireland Executive has recognised the importance of investing in higher education and supporting efforts to raise skills. The recent injection of funding from the Jobs and Economy Initiative enabled the provision of 500 additional undergraduate places bringing the total increase in STEM places to 1,200 by 2015. I have also secured funding for an additional 300 PhD places in economically relevant areas.

"I am committed to delivering a future vision of the higher education sector in Northern Ireland in which the people who are most able but least likely to participate, are given every encouragement and support to achieve the necessary qualifications to gain entry to, and to benefit from, higher education."