To ask the Minister for the Economy (i) for his assessment of the impact on further and higher education in relation to the Independent Review of Education; and (ii) whether any regional colleges and universities have raised concerns in relation to the Minister for Education's statement and the impact to its course numbers.

Whilst a full assessment will be required, I expect that several of the recommendations of the Independent Review of Education have the potential to have an impact on further education colleges and higher education institutions, not least the recommendation to raise the age of educational participation from 16 to 18 years.

My officials have advised in conducting initial discussions with further education college Principals in this regard, Principals have expressed a view of the opportunities this provides for the great utility of colleges and the provision of high quality technical and vocational educational pathways. Concerns have not been raised by universities in relation to the statement made by the Minister of Education.

I look forward to the Minister of Education bringing forward a paper to the Executive and wider discussions be convened on the Independent Review of Education.