To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail discussions with the Vice Chancellor and/or senior management of Ulster University about plans to introduce a modern language academy under his Department’s Assured Skills Programme.

To date there have been no discussions between my Assured Skills Branch with either the Vice Chancellor or senior management of Ulster University, with a view to introducing a modern language academy.

However, my Department is willing to give consideration to any proposals that Ulster University may submit. Any proposals received will be given consideration under the Assured Skills ‘Change Fund’ programme.

If the proposal meets the necessary criteria, the academy could be pursued by the relevant further education college/s, who currently offer a range of modern language courses.