To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail (i) any engagement her Department has had with (a) Ulster University; and (b) Queen’s University Belfast, in the last 12 months, regarding their financial sustainability; (ii) any financial support or funding adjustments that have been requested by universities in that period, including any response that has been provided by her Department.

I, along with my officials, continue to engage with all Higher Education Institutions regarding the Department’s extremely challenging financial position. Within the context of the findings emerging from the independent Financial Needs Assessment and the development of draft Terms of Reference for the wider Review of Higher Education Funding, officials have engaged with both universities on a range of issues, including matters relating to financial sustainability.

I will continue to seek additional resources to invest in Higher Education and I trust I will have the support of all political parties in that regard.