To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail (i) any formal engagement that took place with (a) universities; (b) further education colleges; (c) students; (d) employers; and (e) other stakeholders, as part of the Review of Higher Education Funding; (ii) any feedback that has been received, regarding the Review’s scope and methodology; and (ii) whether she is satisfied that those most directly affected by the Review, have had sufficient opportunity to influence its direction and recommendations.

The first stage of a Higher Education Funding Review, an independent Financial Needs Assessment of our Higher Education Institutions, has recently been completed. A summary of the report was published on the Departmental website on 18 March.

My officials continue to engage with key stakeholders in the sector including Unions and Higher Education Institutions regarding the wider Review of Higher Education. The wider Review is anticipated to take 18 months to complete. This timescale is subject to a number of factors.

I am committed to working in partnership with all local Higher Education Institutions and relevant stakeholders to find a sustainable way forward for our higher education sector.