To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail when the Outline Business Case, as submitted by the Northern Regional College in respect of its accommodation needs, will be approved; and to give a timescale for the announcement of a preferred option for a new build.

The Northern Regional College is close to finalising the business case for proposals to address deficiencies at its Coleraine, Ballymoney and Ballymena campuses. I had hoped the business case would have been officially presented to my Department before now. However, while the delay is regrettable, I accept that given the significant investment potential, it is appropriate to take the necessary time to ensure a robust case is made in support of the preferred option.

The current timescale should see the final business case being presented to my Department by the end of this month and subject to my approval and the approval of the Department of Finance and Personnel, a final decision on the preferred option is expected in October 2015.