To ask the Minister for the Economy (i) how many students given conditional offers for September 2020 at Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast have lost their place due to incorrect grading; and (ii) whether she has approved additional finance to address lost places.

Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies, and are responsible for their own admissions practices. The Department does not therefore hold the information requested on conditional offers and acceptances. You may wish to contact the universities directly to seek the information requested.

I am pleased to confirm that my Executive colleagues share my belief that we have a responsibility to our young people, and have agreed to provide any additional funding which may be required for additional places.