Decision to cap under graduate numbers a mistake
Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson, West Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff have challenged
the decision of British direct rule Education Minister Maria Eagle to cap
the number of full time under graduate places in Higher Education - the
Maximum Student Number (MaSN).
Mr McElduff said:
"This
decision is a mistake. Not only should we be increasing the number full time
undergraduate places, and very significantly in some specific areas such as
medicine, nursing and medical sciences, but we must also recognise that
there are significant financial barriers that are stopping people,
particularly for more socially deprived backgrounds from accessing higher
education opportunities.
"The stupidity of this decision is only
further underlines by the publication of the Regional Economic Strategy for
public consultation.
"All of the evidence on the economy and
staff shortages within the health system require a response that is built on
increasing educational opportunity right across the educational system.
"On
the one hand David Hanson talks about sustaining 'high and stable levels of
economic and employment growth' and priorities that will help achieve 'a high
value-added, highly skilled, innovative and enterprising economy by 2015'
and on the other hand Maria Eagle is intent on capping under graduate
numbers.
"Fundamental
to a more enlightened, radical and progressive approach is not just
increasing student numbers but also tackling the recently imposed financial
barriers that clearly act as a disincentive." ENDS