To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail (i) any assessment that was undertaken, as part of the Review of Higher Education Funding, of the impact of the maximum student number cap on Northern Ireland’s ability to meet future workforce and skills needs; (ii) whether consideration was given to increasing or reforming the cap, in areas experiencing skills shortages; and (iii) how maintaining the current cap supports delivery of the Executive’s Programme for Government objectives relating to economic growth, productivity and workforce development.

Due to the significant level of public funding provided to the universities, my Department has to control spending to stay within annual budget allocations. The Maximum Student Number cap limits the Department’s financial exposure.

I recognise the integral role of Higher Education for students, the economy and civic society, and remain committed to a thriving local sector that supports a strong, regionally balanced economy.

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